Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which there are high levels of fat or lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Elevated levels of blood lipids, particularly LDL cholesterol, increase the risk for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Studies show that adopting a diet low in animal fats and high in plant foods and increasing physical activity may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Elevated triglycerides are also a risk for coronary artery disease and frequently associated with metabolic syndrome. Therapeutic lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for hypertriglyceridemia. These changes include a low saturated fat, carbohydrate-controlled diet, smoking cessation, and regular aerobic exercise. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil supplements also are used to aide in lowering high triglyceride levels.