The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia requires a high index of suspicion in
high-risk populations. This should include individuals who eat diets high in
saturated fats and cholesterol and low in complex carbohydrates and high fiber
foods. Additional risk factors for hyperlipidemia include a positive family
history of hyperlipidemia, a history of diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism or
nephrotic syndrome, and the use of drugs that raise serum cholesterol,
including corticosteroids, beta-blockers and diuretics.
The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is based on the serum total cholesterol or
LDL cholesterol. Since this is a continuous predictor variable, these
definitions are arbitrary and depend on the presence and severity of additional
cardiovascular risk factors.
