Final answer:
The medical term for excessive amounts of lipids in the blood is hyperlipidemia, which can be primary or secondary in nature. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and is monitored by lipid panel tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for excessive amounts of lipids (cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides) in the blood is hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia encompasses a range of conditions where there are high levels of lipids in the blood, potentially interfering with normal metabolism. Lipids are transported within protein capsules known as lipoproteins which vary in density and influence on metabolism. Sometimes, hyperlipidemia is referred to as hyperlipoproteinemia or dyslipidemia, particularly when abnormal levels of lipoproteins are present.
There are two main types of hyperlipidemia: primary and secondary. Primary hyperlipidemia is usually due to genetic factors, whereas secondary hyperlipidemia is often a result of other conditions or lifestyle choices, such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, or a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Excessive dietary lipids can lead to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. In the context of lipoprotein transport, Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), often dubbed 'bad cholesterol', can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, whereas High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), or 'good cholesterol', help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
A high level of triglycerides alone can be referred to as hypertriglyceridemia. It is imperative to manage lipid levels through diet, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medication to mitigate the risk of disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Regular lipid panel tests are essential for monitoring these levels and for assessing cardiovascular risks.