What is the first treatment tried for high cholesterol?

A cholesterol result is interpreted alongside age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney health, family history, and previous cardiovascular disease. A Cholesterol Test measures blood fats, but one result alone does not determine the treatment plan.

Lifestyle support can include improving the balance of fats and fibre in meals, regular physical activity suited to your health, weight management where relevant, stopping smoking, and moderating alcohol. Statin Therapy reduces the liver's production of cholesterol and may be advised when risk is higher or cholesterol remains raised.

Review your result with a clinician and ask whether repeat testing or checks for another cause are needed. Keep a record of medicines and supplements, and discuss a realistic eating and activity plan. Do not stop a prescribed statin without speaking to the prescriber.

Nutrition Counselling can help turn general advice into meals that fit your culture, preferences, and medical needs. Improvement is assessed over time using symptoms, adherence, and repeat blood results rather than appearance alone.

High cholesterol itself usually causes no immediate symptoms. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, sudden breathlessness, collapse, or new weakness or speech difficulty, because these can signal an urgent cardiovascular problem.

Ask what your full cardiovascular risk means, whether a statin is recommended, which side effects need attention, and when to repeat your Cholesterol Test. Ask whether a family pattern or another health condition could be contributing.