The incidence is 1 out of 100 people and is higher among men than women. Screening for hyperlipidemia should be a part of a routine health evaluation for people between 20 and 30 years old. Reducing dietary risk factors by maintaining ideal body weight , eating a well balanced, low fat diet, and limiting cholesterol intake will help prevent the onset of hyperlipidemia. There are no symptoms. Normal values for cholesterol and triglycerides are dependent on age.
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.