User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia, also called high cholesterol, is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is type of abnormal blood lipids, along with high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. There are generally no symptoms. In severe cases xanthomas may occur. Complications may include heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Causes may include genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Most cases; however, are due to a combination of genetic factors together with diet, inactivity, obesity and smoking. Other risk factors include low thyroid, nephrotic syndrome, cholestasis, alcoholism, diabetes, and certain medications like HCTZ. Diagnosis is based on blood tests finding a high total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol.

Treatment often involves lifestyle changes and medications. Life style changes include exercise and a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, statin medications are often recommended. Other medications that may be used include ezetimibe, niacin, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Rarely LDL apheresis or liver transplant is performed.

High cholesterol is estimated to affected about 39% of people globally. About 74 million (32%) adults in the United States have high cholesterol. Familial hypercholesterolemia affects about 1 in 250 people. Older people are more commonly affected. Globally it is estimated to cause about 2.6 million deaths per year. Familial hypercholesterolemia was first described in 1938.