Hypercholesterolemia is defined as the presence of high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream.

There are two types of hypercholesterolemia; dietary, which is caused by the intake of too much saturated fats, and familial, in which the body doesnt make enough good cholesterol which helps eliminate bad which causes the total cholesterol levels to reach dangerous highs. Familial is genetic, and extremely rare and can be prevented by a healthy diet, and possibly regular medication as well. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the cells of the body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any added cholesterol, which comes through the foods you eat, can cause harm. The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is a lipid disorder. It isnt classified as a disease, but is metabolic derangement that is caused by cardiovascular diseases. This disorder may increase your chances of atherosclerosis (hardening of the organs), stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. It is usually inherited, but is more common in overweight or obese families, which is found in over half of the U.S homes today. There are three types of cholesterol: total cholesterol, which is all of them combined, high density lipoprotein (HDL), often called the good cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is often called the bad protein. LDL slowly builds up in artery walls, causing a thick plaque that can narrow arteries, restrict blood flow, and lead to blood clots.

Abnormal levels in cholesterol and triglycerides can be caused by fatty diets that are high in saturated fats, excessive alcohol intake, certain medications such as birth control, some antidepressants, estrogen, and beta blockers, diabetes, kidney disease, lack of exercise, and smoking (which reduces HDL good cholesterol). The recommended values for adults may vary on risk factors, but in general: * LDL: 70-130 mg (lower numbers are better) * HDL: more than 40-60 mg (high numbers are better) * Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg (lower numbers are better) * Triglycerides: 10-150 mg (lower numbers are better) There usually aren't any symptoms of high cholesterol, especially in early stages. The only way to tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test. But sometimes, cholesterol can be so high that it shows up in fatty deposits in the skin. If it is too high your arteries thicken, become more rigid, and start to turn a yellow color. If you were able to take a look at the inside of the cholesterol-clogged arteries, they would look as if they were lined with a thick layer of frozen butter! Basically, you maintain a steady diet, and take normal health precautions there is no need to worry. Usually most diseases can be

prevented by providing your body with the correct equipment to help it run as it was designed to, including this one.