Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids in the blood, including triglycerides and cholesterol. There are several types of hyperlipidemia based on the elevated lipoprotein, including types I-V. Type I is caused by deficiencies of lipoprotein lipase or ApoC-II, resulting in an inability to remove chylomicrons from the blood. Type IIa, or familial hypercholesterolemia, is caused by mutations in the LDL receptor gene and results in markedly elevated LDL cholesterol. It can be either homozygous or heterozygous. Both forms increase the risk of premature cardiovascular disease if not properly treated.