Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated cholesterol levels which increases the risk of premature atherosclerosis and this is particularly when associated with low levels of the good cholesterol which are the high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

More and more literature based evidence is showing that high triglyceride levels are independently linked with coronary atheroma. And by lowering serum cholesterol, it not only slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis but may also cause regression of the disease.

Hyperlipidemia is a potentially reversible risk factor and other risk factors that fall into this category are smoking with the number of cigarettes smoked being directly proportional to the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Hypertension is also linked to an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Homocysteine is also a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease due to its adverse effects on vascular endothelium. Folic acid in low doses may retard this process. Diabetes mellitus, lack of exercise and obesity are also linked to an increasing incidence of atheroma.