Abnormally high levels of one or more types of blood fats might indicate the following conditions:
  • Atherosclerosis. The gradual build–up of cholesterol–rich plaque on the inner wall of arteries, which causes them to narrow and harden. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause and indicator of potential coronary artery disease.

  • Hyperlipidemia. High blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

  • Hyperlipoproteinemia. High blood levels of lipoproteins.

  • Cirrhosis. Widespread disruption in normal liver function often caused by a chronic condition such as alcoholism or hepatitis.

  • Hypothyroidism. A deficiency in thyroid gland activity marked by lowered metabolism and decreased energy levels.

  • Nephrotic syndrome. A grouping of symptoms that include protein in urine, low blood protein and swelling (edema). This syndrome often produces an increase in cholesterol levels.

  • Uncontrolled diabetes. A metabolic condition in which blood sugar levels are high because the body cannot adequately produce or use insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas.

  • Low protein in the diet.

  • High carbohydrates in the diet.

  • Alcohol abuse.

  • Bile duct obstruction.

  • Pancreatitis. Inflammation or infection of the pancreas.

  • Cholestasis. A blockage in the flow of bile from the liver.
Abnormally low levels of one or more blood fats may indicate the following conditions:
  • Hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid gland that leads to an excess of thyroid hormone in the body.

  • Malnutrition. Inadequate nutrition that may be caused by an unbalanced diet or a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption).

  • Pernicious anemia. A type of anemia (red blood cell deficiency) caused by the lack of a substance in the body needed to absorb vitamin B12.

  • Some types of liver problems. Low lipid levels may signal alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver (particularly because alcoholics tend to have poor nutrition), intrinsic hepatocellular disease or certain other liver problems.

  • Sepsis. A serious bacterial infection that has spread to the blood.