A variety of conditions in which there are increased concentrations of lipids in plasma: phospholipids, triacylglycerols, free and esterified cholesterol, or unesterified fatty acids. Familial hyperlipidaemias are due to genetic diseases; less severe hyperlipidaemia is commonly seen in people in affluent developed countries, associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease. See also lipids, plasma; hypercholesterolaemia.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2005 by A. E. Bender and D. A. Bender. All rights reserved.