What does Hyperlipidemia refer to?

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids, which include fats and cholesterol, in the bloodstream. Specifically, this condition is characterized by increased concentrations of triglycerides and/or cholesterol, which can lead to various health complications, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It essentially signifies an abnormal lipid profile, which is significant for clinicians in assessing an individual's risk for heart-related issues. The term 'hyper' indicates high levels, and 'lipidemia' pertains to lipids in the blood, making the definition concise and direct.

The other options, while related to cardiovascular health, do not accurately represent hyperlipidemia. High blood pressure is a separate condition known as hypertension, low cholesterol levels denote a different scenario that generally isn't labeled as hyperlipidemia, and inflammation in blood vessels is an aspect of other conditions rather than a direct measure of lipid levels.