Hyperlipidemia is caused by excess lipids or fatty substances in the blood and is an important risk factor in developing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Genetic factors, as in certain hereditary diseases like diabetes can also lead to the development of this condition.

Mental stress, physical activity and change in body weight can also influence the level of blood cholesterol.

Inactivity can increase it and exercise can decrease it.

LDLs, HDLs and your heart

Cholesterol is carried in the blood as a package called lipoproteins. Like oil and water, cholesterol and blood do not mix. So, in order to be able to pass through the bloodstream, the cholesterol made in the liver is also smeared with a layer of protein making a lipoprotein. This lipoprotein then carries the cholesterol through the bloodstream. The density of Lipoproteins varies and they are classified according to the density as Low density lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). As the density differs, the action of both differs.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) carries most of the cholesterol in the blood and is also known as 'bad cholesterol'. The cholesterol and fat from LDLs are the main source of cholesterol accumulation and blockage in the arteries. Thus, the more LDL-cholesterol is there in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) or the good cholesterol carry some of the cholesterol in the blood, but this cholesterol goes back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body. So HDLs help prevent cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. If the level of good cholesterol is low, the risk of heart disease is greater.