Hyperlipoproteinemia

Abstract

Patients with elevated plasma protein levels (hyperlipoproteinemia) may first consult a physician because of abdominal pain, skin lesions, or symptoms of vascular insufficiency. In other cases, the finding of an elevated cholesterol or triglyceride level in an asymptomatic patient raises a diagnostic dilemma. Generally, the type of hyperlipoproteinemia can be classified on the basis of the patient's history and physical examination, the plasma cholesterol level, and visual inspection of a refrigerated sample of fasting plasma.