Hyperlipidemia

Causes & Risk Factors

Hyperlipidemia can result from genetic factors, lifestyle factors, or a combination of both:

•  Genetic (familial) hyperlipidemia — certain inherited conditions cause significantly elevated lipid levels from a young age.

•  Diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates.

•  Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

•  Diabetes and metabolic syndrome are commonly associated with abnormal lipid patterns.

•  Certain medical conditions (including hypothyroidism and kidney disease) and medications can also affect lipid levels.

Symptoms & When to Test

Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, which is why lipid screening (rather than symptom-based testing) is central to identifying and managing cardiovascular risk.

•  Usually asymptomatic — identified through screening rather than symptoms

•  In severe genetic forms, visible signs such as cholesterol deposits around the eyes or in tendons can occasionally occur

•  Often first identified in the context of a cardiovascular event, which underscores the value of proactive screening before this occurs

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is recommended for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes or metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, family history of premature cardiovascular disease, known cardiovascular disease, or those receiving lipid-lowering therapy requiring monitoring.

Why Tests Are Combined

A standard lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) provides the core information for most cardiovascular risk assessment, with non-HDL cholesterol calculated as an additional useful summary measure of atherogenic (artery-damaging) lipoprotein burden.

ApoB and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] are added in selected individuals because they can provide risk information beyond standard LDL-C alone — ApoB reflects the actual number of atherogenic particles (which can be discordant with LDL-C in some patients), while Lp(a) is a largely genetically determined risk factor not captured by standard lipid testing.

This tiered approach — standard panel for most patients, with specialized markers added for specific higher-risk or unclear situations — balances thoroughness with practicality, since not every patient needs the full range of specialized cardiovascular risk markers.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Hyperlipidemia blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's ISO NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Known cardiovascular risk factors requiring lipid assessment

•  Diabetes or metabolic syndrome

•  Family history of premature cardiovascular disease

•  Known cardiovascular disease requiring lipid monitoring

•  Currently receiving lipid-lowering therapy — requires periodic monitoring