How common is hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol and high triglycerides, affects approximately 71 million adults in the United States. That is 33.5 percent or roughly one-third of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Diet plays a large role in hyperlipidemia but for many people, genetics causes high cholesterol even with proper diet and exercise. Some people who are at a greater risk for hyperlipidemia include people who eat large amounts of red meat and dairy products, fried foods or are overweight, according to the American Heart Association. People diagnosed with high cholesterol may be prescribed medication as well as a healthy diet.