Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to build cells and make certain hormones. High cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, means there is too much cholesterol or other fat in the blood. Excess cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, can collect in artery walls and contribute to plaque buildup. People of many ages can be affected, including those with inherited conditions or other health and lifestyle risk factors.

How It's Diagnosed

How High Cholesterol Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually involves a lipid panel, a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. A clinician interprets the results in the context of your age, medical history, family history, and overall cardiovascular risk. There is no single cholesterol level that diagnoses or explains risk for everyone, so results should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

TestWhat it measures
Total cholesterolThe combined amount of cholesterol in the blood, including cholesterol carried by different lipoproteins.
LDL cholesterolOften called “bad” cholesterol because higher levels can contribute to plaque buildup in artery walls.
HDL cholesterolOften called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from the bloodstream for processing.
TriglyceridesA type of fat in the blood that can add to cardiovascular risk when levels are elevated.

TESTING NOTE

Ask how to prepare for your test

Fasting may or may not be needed before a lipid panel, depending on the test and your health history. Ask your clinician or testing center how to prepare. Repeat testing may be recommended when results are unexpected or to monitor treatment.

Causes

What Causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can develop when the body makes too much cholesterol, does not clear it effectively, or both. Inherited conditions can affect how the body processes cholesterol, while diet, certain medical conditions, and some medicines can also raise levels. Often, several contributors overlap rather than one cause explaining the entire result.

  • Diets high in saturated or trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol in some people.
  • Excess weight can affect how the body handles cholesterol and other blood fats.
  • Limited physical activity may contribute to unfavorable cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Diabetes can change fat metabolism and increase cardiovascular risk.
  • Thyroid disease, especially an underactive thyroid, can contribute to high cholesterol.
  • Kidney disease may affect cholesterol processing and blood fat levels.
  • Selected medicines can change cholesterol or triglyceride levels; discuss possible effects with a clinician.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

Risk factor typeExamples
ModifiableDiet high in saturated or trans fats, limited physical activity, tobacco exposure, excess weight, and poorly controlled conditions such as diabetes.
Non-modifiableOlder age, family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, and inherited lipid disorders.
Medical or treatment-relatedThyroid disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and medicines that affect cholesterol or triglycerides.

Risk factors can overlap, and changing one factor may not fully explain a person’s cholesterol levels. Someone can have high cholesterol even without obvious lifestyle risks, particularly when family history or an inherited lipid disorder is involved. Managing high cholesterol according to clinical guidance means considering the complete cardiovascular risk picture.

Complications

Complications of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol itself usually does not cause warning symptoms. Over time, excess LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup, called atherosclerosis, which narrows or stiffens arteries and may reduce blood flow. The risk is influenced by LDL cholesterol and other factors, including smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, and family history.

  • Coronary artery disease can develop when plaque narrows the arteries supplying the heart.
  • A heart attack can occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow through a heart artery.
  • An ischemic stroke can occur when a clot or narrowed artery blocks blood flow to part of the brain.
  • Peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow to the arms or legs and cause related circulation problems.

URGENT SYMPTOMS

Know when symptoms require emergency help

High cholesterol is a long-term risk factor, not usually an immediate emergency. Seek emergency help for possible heart attack symptoms such as chest pressure, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, or for possible stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or trouble speaking.

Treatment & Management

Treatment and Management for High Cholesterol

Treatment depends on LDL cholesterol, overall cardiovascular risk, existing heart or blood-vessel disease, diabetes, family history, and response to lifestyle changes. The goal is to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke, and other complications rather than treat a laboratory number in isolation. A clinician can recommend how to lower cholesterol based on your individual risks and health needs.

LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT

Choose a heart-healthy eating pattern with more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and unsaturated fats, while limiting saturated and trans fats. Regular physical activity, weight management when appropriate, and avoiding tobacco can support lower LDL cholesterol and better heart health.

PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT

Statins are commonly used when medication is appropriate, and other cholesterol-lowering medicines may be added or used in selected situations. Treatment choice depends on risk, response, health conditions, and possible interactions, with follow-up testing used to assess progress.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Use treatment as prescribed

Take cholesterol medicines only as prescribed and discuss side effects or concerns with your clinician before stopping or changing treatment. Follow-up lipid testing helps show how well the plan is working and whether adjustments are needed.

Prevention & Screening

Prevention and Screening for High Cholesterol

Healthy eating, regular activity, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions such as diabetes can help reduce cardiovascular risk. Meaningful LDL reduction usually takes ongoing changes and, when needed, medication; it should not be expected from a short-term plan such as trying to reduce cholesterol in 7 days. Regular screening can identify risk before symptoms develop.

  • Children may need cholesterol screening at specific ages or earlier when there is a family history or another risk factor.
  • Adults generally need periodic cholesterol checks, with timing based on age, health history, and previous results.
  • People with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inherited lipid disorders, or other risk factors may need testing more often.
  • People taking cholesterol treatment may need repeat lipid panels to monitor response and guide adjustments.
  • A clinician should determine the appropriate screening schedule because testing needs vary by life stage and risk.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook and Prognosis for High Cholesterol

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can usually be managed over the long term. Lowering LDL cholesterol and addressing other cardiovascular risks can reduce the chance of complications. Ongoing monitoring is important because cholesterol levels and treatment needs may change over time.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

Next Steps After a High Cholesterol Diagnosis

Bring a current list of medicines and supplements, your family history of early heart disease or high cholesterol, and questions about LDL targets and follow-up timing. These details can help your clinician create a practical plan for how to lower your cholesterol and manage risk over time.

Branches

2 topics

Tests & Procedure

3 topics