The incidence is 1 out of 100 people and is higher among men than women. There are no symptoms. Signs And Tests Physical examination and laboratory tests are done to identify secondary causes of hyperlipidemia or familial disorders if lipoprotein analysis is elevated. Normal values for cholesterol and triglycerides are dependent on age. The goal of therapy is to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease through therapy aimed at lowering the blood lipid levels.
Dietary modification is the initial step in treatment.
For overweight individuals, weight reduction to ideal body weight is recommended. Reduction of total calories, cholesterol , and saturated fat is appropriate for most people. The degree of dietary restriction is proportional to the degree of the hyperlipidemia. If there is no improvement in lipid blood levels within 2 months after maximal dietary modification, drug therapy is generally initiated. The type of drug chosen depends upon the type of lipoprotein elevated in the serum.