Etymed
hypercholesterolemia
Definition
A medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood
Clinical context
A 45-year-old man presents to the cardiology clinic for follow-up of his lipid panel which revealed total cholesterol of 320 mg/dL and LDL of 250 mg/dL. He has a family history of myocardial infarction and has recently experienced episodes of chest pain with exertion. His physician recommends statin therapy to reduce his cardiovascular risk.
Mnemonic
HIGH cholesterol = Heart Issues, Geriatric, Inherited, Young adults, Obesity, Family history
These morphemes also unlock…
- hyper- — above; excessive
- chol/e — bile; gall
- sterol — solid (from stereos, solid) + -ol (alcohol)
- -emia — blood condition