High cholesterol can be managed and controlled with a healthy lifestyle and medication, but it requires long-term management to prevent complications.
High Cholesterol
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8 FAQs
High cholesterol occurs when there are excessive levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol." Excess LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis—a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
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Advice for High Cholesterol
High cholesterol does not typically cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often called a "silent condition". However, if left untreated, it can contribute to conditions such as heart disease and stroke, which may present with:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Leg pain (due to blocked arteries in the legs)
- Xanthomas (fatty deposits visible on the skin, usually around the eyes or joints)
As symptoms only appear when cholesterol has caused significant arterial damage, routine screening is necessary for early diagnosis.
Diagnosing high cholesterol involves a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile, which measures total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. Healthcare providers typically recommend fasting before the test for more accurate results. Doctors assess these values along with other risk factors like age, family history, smoking status, and existing health conditions to determine cardiovascular risk.
Treatment for high cholesterol often involves lifestyle modifications, including a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, regular physical activity, weight management, and quitting smoking. When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications are typically prescribed. Atorvastatin, a potent statin medication, is often recommended as a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk. It works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol.
High Cholesterol FAQs (8)
High cholesterol means there is too much bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, which can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Common causes include an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. It is often only detected through a blood test or when complications like heart disease or stroke occur.
A cholesterol blood test (lipid profile) measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Yes, familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol from birth and increases the risk of heart disease.
Adults should have a cholesterol test every 5 years, or more often if they have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350806
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23921-hypercholesterolemia
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/hyperlipidemia-overview
- Everyday Health: https://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/guide
- Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/high-cholesterol-hypercholesterolemia.html
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/hypercholesterolemia
- Medicover Hospitals: https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/diseases/high-cholesterol
