This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is what is high cholesterol? - high cholesterol?
High cholesterol means too much cholesterol in your blood, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has no symptoms — the only way to know is a blood test. Main causes are eating too much fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking, and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families. Lifestyle changes and medication (statins) can lower it.
When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP
- You want to get your cholesterol checked — anyone over 40 can ask.
- You have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
- You've been told your cholesterol is high and want advice.
- You're taking statins and experiencing side effects.
- You have other risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.
Self-care information from NHS
- Cut down on saturated fats — swap butter for olive oil, choose lean meats, and reduce processed food.
- Eat more oily fish, nuts, seeds, fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain foods.
- Exercise regularly — aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
- Lose weight if overweight — even small losses help lower cholesterol.
- Stop smoking — it raises harmful cholesterol and damages arteries.
- Limit alcohol to no more than 14 units a week.
Common questions
What level of cholesterol is dangerous?
Total cholesterol above 5 mmol/L is considered high. More important is the ratio: high LDL ('bad') cholesterol or low HDL ('good') cholesterol increases risk. A GP will assess your overall cardiovascular risk, not just the number.
Do I need statins for high cholesterol?
Statins are usually offered if lifestyle changes alone haven't lowered cholesterol enough, or if your overall cardiovascular risk is high. They're well-studied and effective, though some people experience muscle pain or tiredness — discuss side effects with your GP.
Can high cholesterol be reversed?
Yes — many people lower their cholesterol through diet, exercise, and weight loss alone. If medication is needed, it works alongside lifestyle changes. Regular blood tests track progress.
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This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.