Smoking and high cholesterol: what should you know?

Cholesterol is carried in the blood, and some forms can contribute to fatty deposits in artery walls. Tobacco smoke injures the vessel lining, affects how blood moves, and makes plaque-related disease more concerning. High cholesterol often causes no noticeable symptom, while chest discomfort, leg pain with walking, or sudden neurological symptoms may signal a separate urgent problem. Learn about a [Cholesterol Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/cholesterol-test/) and [Peripheral Arterial Disease](/conditions/peripheral-arterial-disease/).

Arrange a review of your cholesterol results, smoking pattern, blood pressure, diabetes risk, family history, and other medicines. Ask for help setting a quit date or reducing triggers; support can include counselling and medication. Choose meals that feature vegetables, pulses, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, while limiting foods high in saturated fat. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) may make changes more manageable. If prescribed, take [Statin Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/statin-therapy/) consistently and discuss side effects before stopping it.

Call emergency services for crushing or persistent chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, or sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, or vision loss. These may be signs of [Angina](/conditions/angina/) or [Stroke](/conditions/stroke/), and need urgent assessment. Seek prompt advice for new exertional calf pain, a cold or unusually pale foot, or symptoms that recur with activity.

Ask what your lipid results mean, what target is appropriate for your overall risk, whether a statin is suitable, and which stop-smoking treatment fits your medicines. Ask how diet, activity, weight, and family history affect the plan.