Condition
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of blood lipids — most commonly elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, and/or low HDL cholesterol. Specific lipid patterns are tightly linked to metabolic dysfunction.
Written by MagnaMetabolic Editorial Team Medically reviewed by Ariel Ortiz, MD — Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Last reviewed: June 7, 2026
Common patterns
- Atherogenic dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome: high triglycerides, low HDL, and small dense LDL particles.
- Elevated LDL (with or without other abnormalities).
- Familial hypercholesterolemia — genetic, requiring earlier and more aggressive treatment.
Why it matters
Lipid abnormalities — particularly LDL and apolipoprotein B–containing particles — are causally implicated in atherosclerosis. Lipid lowering (especially LDL) reduces cardiovascular events in randomized trials.
Approach
Care typically combines lifestyle interventions (nutrition pattern, physical activity, weight management) with pharmacotherapy (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, icosapent ethyl, and others) based on individual risk.