Final answer:
The medical term for high cholesterol is hyperlipidemia, which involves elevated levels of lipids in the blood. Another term that specifies high triglycerides is hyperlipoproteinemia type IV, also known as hypertriglyceridemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical Terms for High Cholesterol
One of the terms used for "high cholesterol" is hyperlipidemia. This condition is characterized by an abnormal level of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. High cholesterol can have multiple causes, including lifestyle factors like unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and smoking, which can increase LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often termed as "bad cholesterol". Additionally, hyperlipoproteinemia type IV, or hypertriglyceridemia, specifically refers to high levels of triglycerides, and according to definitions such as NCEP-ATPIII, a high triglyceride level is considered to be over 200 mg/dl.
Genetic factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can also result in high cholesterol. LDL and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) are types of cholesterol, with HDL being often referred to as "good cholesterol". High levels of LDL can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis, which can further develop into coronary artery disease. Hyperlipoproteinemia can be either primary or secondary, due to other conditions.