How is hyperlipidemia best defined?

Hyperlipidemia is best defined as elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides. This condition is characterized by an increase in lipids in the bloodstream, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases and other health issues. When lipid levels, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, rise above normal ranges, it is classified as hyperlipidemia.

This definition encapsulates the broad nature of hyperlipidemia, highlighting that it refers not only to cholesterol levels but also to triglycerides, which are another critical component of lipid profiles that can impact health. Elevated levels of these fats are associated with atherosclerosis, heart disease, and other metabolic conditions, underlying the importance of monitoring and managing lipid levels for overall health.

Other options describe aspects that are related to lipids but do not fully capture the essence of hyperlipidemia. For instance, a deficiency of HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) is one specific type of lipid abnormality that can contribute to cardiovascular risks but does not encompass the broader spectrum of lipid elevations that hyperlipidemia includes. Low levels of fat in the blood pertain to a different metabolic condition, while high insulin resistance relates to glucose metabolism and is not primarily concerned with lipid