Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 272.4      ICD10: E78.4      ICD11: 5C80.Z

Hyperlipidemia and Dyslipidemia are often used interchangeably to describe abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
While closely related, there's a subtle distinction:

Hyperlipidemia: Literally means "high lipids." It refers specifically to elevated levels of any or all lipids in the blood. This primarily includes cholesterol (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides. A common example is hypercholesterolemia, meaning high cholesterol.

Dyslipidemia: Refers to an *imbalance* of lipids in the blood. This can include:

High total cholesterol
High LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
High triglycerides

In simpler terms:

Think of lipids as ingredients in a recipe.

Hyperlipidemia: You have too much of *any* or *all* the fat ingredients (like too much butter, oil, or shortening).
Dyslipidemia: The proportions of fat ingredients are off (like too much butter and not enough oil, or the recipe doesn't work well with the proportions).

Key Differences summarized:

| Feature | Hyperlipidemia | Dyslipidemia |
|-----------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Definition | Elevated lipid levels | Imbalanced lipid levels |
| Focus | Quantity (too much) | Proportions and types |
| Common Use | Sometimes used more broadly, especially if only one lipid is high. | More precise for when multiple lipid levels are abnormal, especially if HDL is low. |

Why are these conditions important?

Both hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia increase the risk of:

Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) inside the arteries.
Heart disease: Including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the limbs.
Stroke
Other conditions: Pancreatitis (especially with very high triglycerides).

Causes:

Lifestyle:
Unhealthy diet (high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and refined carbohydrates)
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Genetics: Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
Medical conditions:
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Medications: Some medications can raise lipid levels.

Diagnosis:

A simple blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile is used to measure:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides

Treatment:

Treatment typically involves a combination of:

Lifestyle changes:
Dietary modifications (heart-healthy diet)
Regular physical activity
Weight management
Smoking cessation
Limiting alcohol consumption
Medications:
Statins (the most common type of cholesterol-lowering medication)
Other medications, such as:
Ezetimibe
Bile acid sequestrants
PCSK9 inhibitors
Fibrates (primarily used to lower triglycerides)
Omega-3 fatty acids (prescription-strength for high triglycerides)

Important Note: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia. They can assess your individual risk factors, determine the appropriate treatment plan, and monitor your progress. Self-treating can be dangerous.