Hyperlipidemia
High cholesterol or triglycerides often show no symptoms until plaque buildup occurs. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent heart attack, stroke, and vascular disease.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we use lipid testing to identify risk early and guide treatment with statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and nutrition counseling to protect your heart and vascular health.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Hyperlipidemia typically causes no symptoms. Many patients discover elevated cholesterol or triglycerides during routine blood work. In some cases, very high levels may cause visible signs such as:
- Yellowish deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma)
- Fatty skin bumps (xanthomas)
- Gray-white ring around the cornea (arcus senilis)
Evaluation includes:
- Fasting lipid panel measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
- Assessment of additional risk factors: age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and family history
- Screening for secondary causes: hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or certain medications
Diagnosis & Risk Stratification
Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed based on elevated LDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Your cardiologist will assess your overall cardiovascular risk using tools such as the ASCVD risk calculator to determine appropriate treatment goals.
Common lipid disorders include:
- High LDL cholesterol: Contributes directly to plaque buildup
- High triglycerides: Linked to diet, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
- Low HDL cholesterol: Reduced “good” cholesterol that normally helps remove fat from arteries
- Familial hypercholesterolemia: An inherited form causing extremely high LDL from birth
Treatment & Management
Lifestyle Modification
- Heart-healthy diet: Reduce saturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates
- Increase fiber: Oats, beans, vegetables, and fruits help lower LDL
- Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise
- Weight management and smoking cessation
Medication Therapy
- Statins: First-line therapy for LDL reduction (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, etc.)
- Ezetimibe: Reduces cholesterol absorption
- PCSK9 inhibitors: Injectable biologics for patients with very high LDL or statin intolerance
- Fibrates or omega-3s: For triglyceride reduction
Your cardiologist will determine the right medication and dose based on your lipid levels, overall risk, and medication tolerance.
Long-Term Monitoring & Prevention
Hyperlipidemia requires ongoing management. Regular follow-up includes:
- Repeat lipid testing every 3 to 12 months until controlled, then annually
- Monitoring for medication side effects
- Reassessment of overall cardiovascular risk over time
With consistent treatment, most patients achieve healthy cholesterol levels and significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.