cholesterol after diagnosis

Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells. When you have a diagnosis of high cholesterol, it means there is too much of this substance in your blood. Over time, this can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. But a diagnosis is also a chance to take charge of your health.

Yes. High cholesterol is very common. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 40% of adults worldwide have high total cholesterol. In the UK, it is estimated that over half of adults have elevated cholesterol.

High cholesterol can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Your risk increases with age, especially after age 40. It also affects children in rare cases, but most are diagnosed as adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms. Most people discover they have it through a routine blood test.

Symptoms in children

• In children, high cholesterol also causes no symptoms. It may be identified only if a child is screened due to a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, high cholesterol still has no direct symptoms. However, if cholesterol has narrowed arteries, symptoms like leg pain during walking or chest pain may appear.

Causes

Main causes

• Your body makes cholesterol in the liver, and some comes from food.
• A build-up of cholesterol can happen from eating foods high in saturated fats, physical inactivity, and not managing stress.
• Sometimes high cholesterol is hereditary, meaning it runs in families.

Risk factors

• Age (being over 40)
• A family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• Eating an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats
• Being overweight or living with obesity
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Having diabetes, high blood pressure, or a thyroid condition

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you experience any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you have chest pain, do not wait to find out if it is something else.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your healthcare provider if you have not had a cholesterol test and you're over 40, or if you have risk factors.
• If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, schedule regular check-ups as recommended by your doctor.

Diagnosis

A simple blood test called a lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' type), HDL cholesterol (the 'good' type), and triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood.

Tests that may be done

• Lipid panel (blood test)
• If you have symptoms or strong risk factors, your doctor may also order a heart scan or an ultrasound of your arteries.

What to expect at your appointment

Before the test, your doctor may ask you to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 9 to 12 hours. The test itself takes a few minutes. Your doctor will explain your numbers and what they mean for your health.

Treatment

Treatment for high cholesterol focuses on lowering your risk of heart attacks and strokes. It usually starts with lifestyle changes. If these are not enough, or if your risk is high, your doctor may recommend medication. You and your doctor will decide together based on your numbers and your overall health.

Self-care at home

• Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and trans fats
• Get regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through healthy activities like breathing exercises or meditation
• Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed

Medical treatments

Medications for high cholesterol work in different ways. Some reduce the amount of cholesterol your liver makes, while others help your body absorb less cholesterol from food. The most common type is a group of medicines called statins. Your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you, based on your cholesterol levels and your personal risk. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases where narrowed arteries are causing symptoms, a procedure may be needed to open a blocked artery. This is not a treatment for high cholesterol itself, but it can help restore blood flow. Your doctor will discuss this if it is relevant to you.

Living with this condition

Living with high cholesterol is mostly about building healthy habits into your everyday routine. It does not have to dominate your life. With small, steady changes, you can protect your heart and feel confident about your future.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a food diary to track what you eat
• Plan meals that are colourful with vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, and lean proteins
• Find exercise you enjoy, like cycling, swimming, or dancing
• Check your blood pressure if you have a monitor
• Attend regular check-ups

Diet and exercise

Your diet should focus on healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, and oily fish, and to reduce saturated fats found in fatty meat and full-fat dairy. Try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Exercise helps to raise your 'good' cholesterol and lower your 'bad' cholesterol.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of high cholesterol can feel worrying at first. It is normal to feel anxious. Remember that high cholesterol is a risk factor, not a sentence. Many people manage it successfully with lifestyle changes. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your healthcare provider or a trusted counsellor. If you are in distress, reach out to a local crisis support line or go to your nearest emergency department.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent high cholesterol, especially if it runs in families. But you can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and choosing nutritious foods.

Screening programmes

Routine cholesterol screening is recommended for adults over 40, or earlier if you have risk factors. Your doctor can advise you how often to have it done.

Complications

If left untreated

• If high cholesterol is left untreated, it can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries.
• This can reduce blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs.
• It increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. With a committed plan and medical support, many people with high cholesterol live long, active lives. Your numbers can improve within a few months of making changes. Stay in touch with your healthcare team and be kind to yourself along the way.

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