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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body and is essential for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. However, dyslipidemia—commonly referred to as high cholesterol—occurs when there are abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or high triglycerides. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Cholesterol levels are measured through a lipid panel, and diagnosis is typically based on LDL ≥130 mg/dL, HDL <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL. Management includes dietary modifications, physical activity, weight control, and lipid-lowering medications such as statins to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It is broadly classified into type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition leading to absolute insulin deficiency, and type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Diagnosis is based on criteria such as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥6.5%, or a 2-hour plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test. Management includes lifestyle interventions, glucose-lowering medications, and monitoring to prevent complications.
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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries, typically defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher, according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines. It results from increased resistance to blood flow, which may be due to narrowing of the arteries, increased cardiac output, or other systemic factors. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and kidney disease, and is often asymptomatic. Diagnosis is based on repeated blood pressure measurements, and management typically includes lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications.
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