Elevated levels of fasting plasma total cholesterol (>5.2 mmol/L [>200 mg/dL]) in the presence of normal levels of triglycerides are almost always associated with increased concentrations of plasma LDL cholesterol. Elevations of LDL cholesterol can result from single-gene defects, from polygenic disorders, or from the secondary effects of other disease states.
Section 13. Endocrinology and Metabolism