Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Pure Hypercholesterolemia, Unspecified (ICD-10 Code: E78.00)

#### Summary
- Pure hypercholesterolemia is a medical condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is specifically the increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad cholesterol," without any associated secondary conditions. This condition can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

#### Causes
- The primary cause of pure hypercholesterolemia is often genetic, such as familial hypercholesterolemia. It can also be influenced by factors like an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, and certain underlying health conditions.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of hypercholesterolemia or cardiovascular disease.
- Unhealthy diet, particularly high in saturated and trans fats.
- Relatively inactive lifestyle.
- Obesity.
- Age (cholesterol levels tend to rise as people age).

#### Symptoms
- Pure hypercholesterolemia often does not present symptoms initially. It is usually identified through blood tests. In serious cases, it may lead to symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as chest pain or signs of atherosclerosis.

#### Diagnosis
- Blood tests are used to diagnose hypercholesterolemia, specifically lipid panels that measure total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides levels.

#### Treatment Options
- Medications: Statins are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Other medications might include bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Lifestyle changes: A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management are essential components of managing cholesterol levels.
- In severe cases, procedures like LDL apheresis or surgery might be considered.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With effective management, individuals can maintain healthy cholesterol levels and significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor cholesterol levels and assess treatment efficacy.

#### Complications
- If left untreated, pure hypercholesterolemia can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Adopt a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- If experiencing symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a heart attack or stroke, immediate medical attention is necessary.
- Regular screening is advised if there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

#### Additional Resources
- American Heart Association: [heart.org](https://www.heart.org)
- National Lipid Association: [lipid.org](https://www.lipid.org)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [cdc.gov/heartdisease](https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate coding by checking for accompanying conditions that might be present, as E78.00 is used when hypercholesterolemia is unspecified without secondary conditions.
- Avoid using this code when the specific type of hypercholesterolemia is documented, as specific ICD-10 codes are available for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.