Understanding high cholesterol levels

A lipid profile usually reports total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. LDL can contribute to plaque in artery walls; HDL carries cholesterol away for processing. The pattern matters more than one isolated number, and target levels differ according to your medical history.

High cholesterol does not usually produce a feeling you can recognise. It can quietly add to the risk of angina, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease over time. Obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid problems, some medicines, and inherited tendencies can influence results.

Take the report to a clinician rather than judging it from the total alone. Ask whether the test needs repeating, whether fasting is relevant, and how your blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking status, and family history change the plan.

Build meals around vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, and fish, and limit foods rich in saturated fat. Move regularly in a way that suits your health. Nutrition Counselling may help you turn a general recommendation into meals you can sustain. Statin Therapy may be discussed when risk remains significant.

High cholesterol itself is not an emergency symptom. Get emergency help for chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, collapse, or sudden weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, or vision change. A raised test result without symptoms still deserves a planned clinical review.

Ask which part of the lipid profile is raised, what target is suitable for you, whether another condition or medicine could affect the result, and how soon to repeat testing. Ask how to monitor treatment and what side effects should be reported.