Dyslipidemia is a condition where a person exhibits altered blood lipid metabolism. This shows up on bloodwork as abnormal levels of various cholesterols and/or fats, such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides.[1] Non-HDL cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B, and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C may also be important metrics to examine in dyslipidemia.[2][3] Abnormalities in these markers and/or ratios are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[4] Changing certain markers may result in stronger clinical outcomes (non-HDL-C) than others (HDL-C).[5]
What is dyslipidemia?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by altered blood lipid metabolism, as indicated by abnormal levels of cholesterols and fats such as HDL-C, LDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. These abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and certain lipid markers may have a greater effect on clinical outcomes than others.