preventing cholesterol

Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. But having too much of the wrong type of cholesterol in your blood can stick to the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Preventing high cholesterol means taking steps to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range before problems start.

Yes, high cholesterol is very common. Millions of people around the world have cholesterol levels that put them at higher risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

High cholesterol can affect anyone, including children and young adults, but the chance of having it goes up with age. You are more likely to have high cholesterol if you carry extra weight, eat an unhealthy diet, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms. Most people feel healthy and have no warning signs.

Symptoms in children

• There are usually no symptoms in children, although rare inherited conditions may cause yellowish, fatty bumps on the skin or around the eyes.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults usually have no symptoms from high cholesterol itself, but they may have other risk factors that increase their chance of heart problems.

Causes

Main causes

• Eating foods high in saturated fats and unhealthy trans fats
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• An inherited condition that causes your body to make too much cholesterol

Risk factors

• Age: your risk increases as you get older
• Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
• Being overweight or having obesity
• A diet high in processed foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy
• Not being physically active
• Having diabetes or high blood pressure
• Being male or female after menopause changes risk levels

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ask your doctor about a cholesterol blood test if you are over 40, have risk factors, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
• If you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol, see your doctor for regular follow-up and check-ups.

Diagnosis

High cholesterol is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a lipid panel. This test measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ type), HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ type), and triglycerides, which are another type of fat in your blood.

Tests that may be done

• Lipid panel blood test
• Physical exam and review of your medical history
• Blood pressure check and assessment of your overall cardiovascular risk

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor or nurse will draw a small sample of blood from your arm. Depending on the lab, you may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours beforehand. You will usually get your results within a few days, and your doctor will explain what the numbers mean for you.

Treatment

If you have high cholesterol, there are many ways to bring it down and protect your heart. Treatment always starts with healthy lifestyle changes, but some people also need the help of medications to reach a safe level. Your doctor will choose a treatment plan based on your cholesterol numbers, your age, and your overall risk of heart disease.

Self-care at home

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry without skin.
• Limit foods high in saturated fats, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy, and fried foods.
• Avoid trans fats often found in some baked goods and packaged snacks.
• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, each week.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol to the levels recommended by your doctor.
• Work on reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes are not enough, or if you are at high risk, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower cholesterol. These medicines work in different ways, such as reducing how much cholesterol your liver makes or helping your body remove it from the blood. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and keep following your healthy habits.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is almost never needed for cholesterol itself. However, if very high cholesterol has caused severe narrowing of an artery, a specialist may recommend a procedure to restore blood flow. This is a treatment for a complication of high cholesterol, not for the cholesterol number itself.

Living with this condition

Living with high cholesterol means making heart-healthy choices a part of your daily routine. Keep taking any prescribed medication, check your cholesterol regularly, and stay in touch with your healthcare team. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time.

Lifestyle tips

• Make a weekly meal plan that focuses on heart-healthy foods.
• Find physical activities you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming.
• Manage stress with deep breathing, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
• Get enough sleep, as poor sleep can affect heart health.
• Track your progress and celebrate your successes with your healthcare provider.

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet is rich in fiber, from foods like oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, and uses healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Try to replace butter with plant-based oils like olive oil. For exercise, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. Even short walks after meals can help.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have high cholesterol can be worrying, but remember that you can take action to protect your health. Some people feel anxious or stressed about their heart disease risk. It is okay to ask for support from your doctor, a counsellor, or a support group. Your feelings matter, and taking care of your mental health is part of caring for your heart.

Prevention

Yes, in most cases high cholesterol can be prevented or delayed by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating well, staying physically active, not smoking, and managing stress are all powerful ways to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Screening programmes

Regular cholesterol screening is important. Many healthcare systems recommend a fasting cholesterol test starting at age 40, or earlier if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease. Ask your doctor or local health service when you should be tested.

Complications

If left untreated

• Narrowing of the arteries in the heart, which can cause chest pain or a heart attack
• Blocked blood flow to the brain, which can lead to a stroke
• Poor circulation in the legs, which may cause pain when walking and, in severe cases, tissue damage
• Damage to blood vessels throughout the body, increasing your overall risk of cardiovascular disease

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good if high cholesterol is found early and managed well. With healthy habits and, if needed, medication, you can lower your cholesterol and greatly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people live long, active lives with well-managed cholesterol.

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