<P> Blood lipids (or blood fats) are lipids in the blood, either free or bound to other molecules . They are mostly transported in a protein capsule, and the density of the lipids and type of protein determines the fate of the particle and its influence on metabolism . The concentration of blood lipids depends on intake and excretion from the intestine, and uptake and secretion from cells . Blood lipids are mainly fatty acids and cholesterol . Hyperlipidemia is the presence of elevated or abnormal levels of lipids and / or lipoproteins in the blood, and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease . </P> <P> Short - and medium chain fatty acids are absorbed directly into the blood via intestine capillaries and travel through the portal vein . Long - chain fatty acids, on the other hand, are too large to be directly released into the tiny intestine capillaries . Instead they are coated with cholesterol and protein (protein coat of lipoproteins) into a compound called a chylomicron . The chylomicron enters a lymphatic capillary and enters into the bloodstream first at the left subclavian vein (having bypassed the liver). </P>

Where do long-chain fatty acids first enter the bloodstream