Does high cholesterol have symptoms?

Usually not. Most people have no symptoms at all, which is why a blood test is the only reliable way to know your cholesterol level. Very high levels linked to inherited conditions can sometimes cause visible signs.

What causes high cholesterol?

It can be caused by an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and lack of exercise. It can also run in families through an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia.

How can I lower my cholesterol?

Helpful steps include eating less saturated fat, eating more fibre, being more active, keeping to a healthy weight, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol. If lifestyle changes are not enough, a GP may suggest medication.

Statins are a widely used and well-studied treatment for lowering cholesterol and reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Like all medicines they can have side effects, which a GP will discuss with you. Do not stop them without medical advice.

High cholesterol | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means having too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. It usually has no symptoms but raises the risk of heart attack and stroke over time. It is found with a blood test and can often be improved with diet and lifestyle changes, and medication such as statins where needed.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that the body needs in small amounts. High cholesterol means there is too much of it in your blood — particularly the “non-HDL” or “bad” cholesterol. On its own it does not make you feel unwell, but over time it can build up in blood vessels and raise the risk of serious problems.

Why it matters

Too much cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits forming in your arteries, narrowing them and making heart attacks and strokes more likely. Because there are no symptoms, many people do not know their cholesterol is high until it is measured or until a problem occurs.

How it is found

High cholesterol is detected with a simple blood test. A GP may suggest one if you are older, overweight, have other risk factors, or have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol. The results help work out your overall risk and whether treatment would help.

How it is managed

Lifestyle changes are usually the first step and can make a real difference:

eat less saturated fat and more fibre, fruit and vegetables
be more physically active
keep to a healthy weight
stop smoking and cut down on alcohol

If lifestyle changes are not enough — or your overall risk is high — a GP may recommend medication, most commonly a statin, which lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Keeping on top of it

Knowing your numbers and following your GP’s advice are the main things. Regular reviews help check that any treatment is working and that your overall heart health is well looked after.

Common questions

Does high cholesterol have symptoms?: Usually not. Most people have no symptoms at all, which is why a blood test is the only reliable way to know your cholesterol level. Very high levels linked to inherited conditions can sometimes cause visible signs.
What causes high cholesterol?: It can be caused by an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and lack of exercise. It can also run in families through an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia.
How can I lower my cholesterol?: Helpful steps include eating less saturated fat, eating more fibre, being more active, keeping to a healthy weight, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol. If lifestyle changes are not enough, a GP may suggest medication.
Are statins safe?: Statins are a widely used and well-studied treatment for lowering cholesterol and reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Like all medicines they can have side effects, which a GP will discuss with you. Do not stop them without medical advice.

Sources

NHS — High cholesterol