High cholesterol

Overview

LDL ("bad") cholesterol builds up in artery walls. HDL ("good") cholesterol helps remove it. Triglycerides are another blood fat.

Some people inherit very high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia).

Symptoms

Common signs:

• High cholesterol reading
• Usually no symptoms

Less common

• Yellow fatty bumps on skin or eyelids (very high levels)

When to get medical care

Causes

Diet, genes, low activity, extra weight, smoking, diabetes, and underactive thyroid.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Older age

Possible complications

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Hardened arteries

Diagnosis

A simple blood test (lipid panel) checks cholesterol.

Questions you may be asked

• Family history of early heart disease
• Diet and exercise

The exam

Blood pressure, weight, and a heart risk estimate.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Lipid panel: LDL, HDL, triglycerides.

Treatment

Lowering LDL protects your heart.

Self-care

• Eat less saturated fat: fatty meat, butter, fried food
• Eat more fiber: oats, beans, fruit, vegetables
• Get 150 minutes of exercise a week
• Don't smoke
• Lose extra weight

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To keep cholesterol healthy:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Stay active
• Get tested regularly

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor) if it's hard to control.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Kids with a family history should be tested early.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment greatly lowers heart attack and stroke risk.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Past cholesterol results

Questions to ask

• What's my heart risk?
• Do I need a statin?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on High cholesterol