High Cholesterol
Too much cholesterol in the blood, which causes no symptoms but increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quick Summary
No symptoms. It's found with a blood test (lipid profile).
Healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss and, if needed, medicines such as statins.
Diet high in saturated and trans fats, inactivity, obesity, smoking, diabetes and family history.
Overview
Cholesterol is a fatty substance the body needs, but too much LDL ('bad') cholesterol can build up in artery walls and narrow them.
Because there are no symptoms, adults should have cholesterol checked, especially with other risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Symptoms
No symptoms
High cholesterol doesn't cause symptoms.
Heart disease
Over time it can lead to angina and heart attacks.
Stroke
Narrowed arteries increase stroke risk.
Signs in inherited cases
Fatty lumps on tendons or around the eyes in familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
A mix of genes and lifestyle. Some people inherit very high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolaemia).
Key Risk Factors
- Diet Foods high in saturated fats (ghee, butter, fried foods) and trans fats.
- Weight and activity Being overweight and inactive.
- Family history Inherited high cholesterol or early heart disease.
Management & Treatment
01. Lifestyle
More fibre, fruit, vegetables and whole grains; less saturated fat; regular exercise; no smoking.
02. Statins
Such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin to lower LDL cholesterol.
03. Other medicines
Ezetimibe or others if statins aren't enough or not suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my cholesterol?
Can thin people have high cholesterol?
Do I need medicine forever?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Cholesterol(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- High cholesterol(opens in a new tab) · NHS