High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs to build cells and make certain hormones. Your body makes cholesterol naturally, and you also get it from food.

High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol in your blood. Over time, this can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is the difference between “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol?

Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol.

If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, you’re probably not at higher risk.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.

Changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.

High cholesterol symptoms

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Many people do not know they have it until they get a blood test or develop complications.

When cholesterol builds up in the blood, it can form plaque inside the arteries. Plaque makes arteries narrow and less flexible, which reduces blood flow. Plaques can also break apart and cause a blood clot.

• A blocked artery in the heart can cause a heart attack.
• A blocked artery in the brain can cause a stroke.

This is why routine cholesterol checks are important.

What causes high cholesterol?

Your liver makes cholesterol, but you also get it from food. Eating too many foods high in saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels.

Other causes and risk factors include:

• Being overweight or inactive
• Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
• Smoking, which lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• Other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is with a blood test called a lipid panel. It measures total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”), HDL (“good”), and triglycerides.

Doctors recommend:

• Men age 35 and older and women age 45 and older should be tested
• Adults age 20 and older with risk factors for heart disease should be tested more often
• Teens may need testing if they take certain medicines or have a strong family history

Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol checked.

Can high cholesterol be prevented or avoided?

Yes. You can lower your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices:

• Eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Be physically active most days of the week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke
• Limit alcohol

Even if you already have high cholesterol, these steps can help lower it and improve your overall health.

High cholesterol treatment

Treatment depends on your cholesterol levels and overall heart risk.

• Lifestyle changes: Eating healthier, exercising, and losing weight can make a big difference.
• Medicines: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as statins to lower LDL cholesterol. Other medicines may be used if statins are not tolerated or if additional lowering is needed.

Your doctor will work with you to set goals and monitor your progress.

Living with high cholesterol

Managing high cholesterol is usually a lifelong commitment. Regular checkups and blood tests are important. With healthy habits and, if needed, medicine, many people are able to control their cholesterol and lower their risk of heart attack and stroke.