Lipid disorder is the term used by doctors for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Lipid disorder happens when you have high levels of fatty substances in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are these fatty substances.

With lipid disorders your are at increased risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis.

High cholesterol is associated with heredity. Higher levels of cholesterol are also associated with:

1/ Fatty foods

2/ Diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, hypothyroidism and kidney disorders

3/ Different medications which include birth control pills, corticosteroids, estrogen, some diuretics and beta blockers

4/ Different lifestyle factors that include lack activity and alcohol abuse

Combining smoking with an existing high cholesterol condition puts you at greater risk for heart disease

You will find that lipid disorders are more common with men than women.

The tests that doctors use to diagnose lipid disorders include:

a- Lipoprotein Test

b- A Lipoproteina Analysis

c- An HDL Test

c- A test for LDL

Your age, back round and whether or not you smoke will determine the type of treatment that you receive. The other risk factors that are taken into consideration include:

* Diabetes

* High Blood Pressure

* If you have a family history of heart disease

You can take steps to lower your cholesterol levels. This can help to prevent heart disease and even the risk of a heart attack. The following are some steps that you can take:

1- Consuming a diet that is low in saturated fat. Such a diet includes whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruit.

2- A daily exercise regimen and sticking to it.

3- If you are overweight, go on a diet.

4- Quit smoking.

5- Drink less alcohol.

6- See your doctor for regular cholesterol screenings.

In the event that lifestyle changes don’t work your doctor will recommend medication.

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medicine to lower cholesterol. Statins are often successful in reducing cholesterol levels in a relatively brief period of time. Unfortunately, the down side is that they can cause some serious and harmful side effects.

Another alternative is to use natural herbs. The right herbs can be very mild and effective. The down side is that they may take up to six months to work because they are so mild. The benefit however is that there is no harmful side effects.

If you discover that you have high cholesterol you will have to continue with your diet changes and whatever treatment you choose for the rest of your life. By reducing your high cholesterol you will slow the progression of atherosclerosis. With the right dietary changes, this process can even be reversed.