Dyslipidemia Disease Summary

Last updated: 26 May 2026

Overview

Dyslipidemia is an abnormality in lipoprotein metabolism that can cause an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The definition of dyslipidemia and its prevalence can be found in the Introduction and Epidemiology sections.

Lipids that circulate in the blood in the form of lipoproteins have effects on CV health and are discussed in the Pathophysiology section. The Etiology section enumerates the different factors that predispose the patient to coronary heart disease caused by dyslipidemia.

The different types of dyslipidemia are identified and discussed in the Classification section. 



Dyslipidemia_Disease SummaryDyslipidemia_Disease Summary

Diagnosis

Frequency of dyslipidemia screening varies depending on the age group as presented in the Screening section.

Tests for screening and diagnosis of dyslipidemia in patients suspected of the condition are discussed in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section.

Diseases that may present similar symptoms to dyslipidemia and should be ruled out are in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

Categorizing the patients by CV disease (CVD) risk and risk stratification is performed to evaluate patients with dyslipidemia and these are discussed in the Evaluation section.  

Lipid treatment goals are identified in the Principles of Therapy section. In this section, cardiovascular-kidney metabolic syndrome clinical identification and management are also discussed. 

Details about the therapeutic options for lowering LDL-C and TG and raising HDL-C are in the Pharmacological Therapy section. The treatment of specific types of dyslipidemia is also discussed in this section.

Lifestyle modification strategies like recommendations on diet, physical activity, weight loss, alcohol intake and smoking cessation are discussed in detail in the Nonpharmacological section. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should undergo screening for dyslipidemia?
All healthy adults older than 20 years should undergo screening to document baseline lipid levels and evaluate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Most healthy adults should be screened every 4–6 years. Earlier and more frequent assessment is required in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or a family history of premature cardiovascular disease. Read more
Which findings suggest familial hypercholesterolemia?
Familial hypercholesterolemia should be considered in patients with markedly elevated LDL-C, premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or a family history of premature cardiovascular disease or severe hypercholesterolemia. Tendon xanthomas, xanthelasma and premature corneal arcus may support the diagnosis. Family members may require lipid screening when an inherited lipid disorder is suspected. Read more
When is a fasting lipid profile preferred?
Fasting and non-fasting lipid profiles may be used for screening and cardiovascular risk estimation. A fasting profile is recommended for the initial evaluation of patients with a family history of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or genetic hyperlipidemia and for follow-up of hypertriglyceridemia. Fasting LDL-C measurement is also recommended when triglyceride levels are high. Read more
Which patients should receive statin therapy?
Statins are recommended for adults aged at least 21 years with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or LDL-C of at least 190 mg/dL. They are also indicated in selected adults aged 40–75 years with diabetes and LDL-C of 70–189 mg/dL or without diabetes but with an elevated estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Read more
How often should lipid therapy be monitored?
Assess the response to LDL-C-lowering therapy and lifestyle modification by repeating the lipid profile 4–12 weeks after starting statin therapy or adjusting the dose. Repeat testing every 3–12 months thereafter as needed. Patients with extreme cardiovascular risk may require lipid monitoring at 4–6 weeks and an early follow-up at 3 months. Read more