Can high cholesterol cause angina?

Cholesterol can collect within artery walls and form fatty deposits. Over time, these deposits may make a coronary artery narrower and less able to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood when the heart works harder. Angina is chest discomfort caused by this temporary mismatch between the heart’s demand for blood and its supply. Angina can feel like pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning, and it may spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw or back. High cholesterol is one contributor; smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and family history can also affect artery health.

Arrange a medical review if you have been told your cholesterol is high, especially if you have exertional chest discomfort. A clinician can assess your symptoms, blood pressure and overall cardiovascular risk, then decide whether tests or cholesterol-lowering treatment are appropriate. Take prescribed medicine as directed, avoid smoking, stay active within your clinician’s advice, and choose a heart-conscious eating pattern. Do not stop a prescribed medicine because you feel well; high cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms.

Seek emergency help for new, severe or persistent chest pressure, or discomfort with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness or marked weakness. Urgent assessment is also needed if symptoms occur at rest, become more frequent, or do not settle with the plan given by your clinician. Do not drive yourself if you may be having a heart emergency.

Ask what your cholesterol results mean, whether your symptoms fit angina, and which tests could clarify the cause. You can also ask about your personal risk factors, treatment choices, activity limits and how to recognise a change that needs urgent help.