High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, increasing risk of heart disease and stroke.
Overview
High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to build cells, but too much can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels that eventually make it hard for blood to flow. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so many people don't know they have it until they have a heart attack or stroke. It's detected through a blood test and can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications.
Common Age
Can start in childhood; typically increases with age
Prevalence
About 1 in 3 adults have high LDL cholesterol
Duration
Chronic condition requiring ongoing management
Common Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms (silent condition)
- Only detected through blood test
- In severe cases: xanthomas (fatty deposits under skin)
- Arcus senilis (gray ring around cornea)
- Symptoms of complications: chest pain, stroke signs
Possible Causes
- Diet high in saturated and trans fats
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Certain medications
- Smoking
Note: These are potential causes. A healthcare provider can help determine the specific cause in your case.
Quick Self-Care Tips
- 1Eat heart-healthy foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains)
- 2Reduce saturated fats (red meat, full-fat dairy)
- 3Eliminate trans fats (fried foods, baked goods)
- 4Eat omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, walnuts)
- 5Increase soluble fiber (oatmeal, beans, apples)
- 6Exercise most days of the week
- 7Quit smoking
- 8Maintain healthy weight
Disclaimer: These are general wellness suggestions, not medical treatment recommendations. They may help manage symptoms but should not replace professional medical care.
Detailed Treatment & Solutions
1DIETARY CHANGES
Follow Mediterranean or DASH diet. Limit saturated fat to less than 7% of calories. Avoid trans fats completely. Add plant sterols/stanols. Eat fatty fish twice weekly. Increase fiber to 25-30g daily.
2EXERCISE
Aim for 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous aerobic activity weekly. Any exercise helps - walking, swimming, cycling. Start gradually if sedentary. Exercise raises "good" HDL cholesterol.
3WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can improve cholesterol. Combine diet and exercise. Focus on sustainable changes rather than crash diets. Waist circumference is important indicator.
4QUIT SMOKING
Stopping smoking improves HDL levels. Within weeks of quitting, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Within a year, heart disease risk drops significantly.
5MEDICATIONS
Statins are first-line treatment (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin). Other options: ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid. Take as prescribed; don't stop without consulting doctor.
6MONITORING
Get cholesterol checked at least every 5 years (more often if elevated). Know your numbers: Total, LDL ("bad"), HDL ("good"), and triglycerides. Target LDL depends on your overall cardiovascular risk.
Important: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment regimen. The solutions above are for educational purposes and may not be suitable for everyone.
Risk Factors
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Age
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Ethnicity
Prevention
- Heart-healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Regular screenings
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- For routine cholesterol screening (starting at age 20)
- Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Symptoms of heart disease (chest pain, shortness of breath)
- Other risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity)
- To discuss treatment options
- Side effects from cholesterol medications
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If your symptoms are persistent, severe, or concerning, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat should my cholesterol levels be?
General guidelines: Total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL, LDL under 100 mg/dL (or under 70 if high risk), HDL above 40 mg/dL for men or 50 for women, triglycerides under 150 mg/dL. Your doctor can advise on your personal targets based on overall risk.
QCan I stop taking statins if my cholesterol improves?
Never stop cholesterol medications without consulting your doctor. Cholesterol often rises again if you stop medication. Statins provide ongoing protection against heart disease beyond just lowering numbers. Your doctor can adjust dose or consider alternatives if there are concerns.
Related Conditions
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
A condition where blood pushes too hard against artery walls.
Diabetes Warning Signs
Early symptoms that may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
A common condition where blood pressure against artery walls is consistently too high.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Information last reviewed: January 2026
This page provides educational information only. It is not medical advice.