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High cholesterol reading

Also called: High cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, high LDL

A high cholesterol reading usually causes no symptoms but raises the risk of heart attack and stroke over time. It's often linked to diet, weight, family history, and other conditions. Lifestyle changes and, for many people, statin medicines lower it. Your provider will consider your overall heart risk.

LDL ('bad')Lower is better
SymptomsUsually none
Next stepTalk about your overall heart risk
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Cholesterol is a fat in the blood. LDL ('bad') cholesterol builds up in artery walls; HDL ('good') helps remove it. Triglycerides are another blood fat.

High cholesterol can run in families (familial hypercholesterolemia), causing very high levels at a young age. Hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and some medicines can raise cholesterol.

When to get medical care

Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke symptoms.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonA high cholesterol result. Very high LDL (190 or more), or a family history of early heart disease. Fatty bumps on tendons or yellow patches around the eyes.

Causes

Causes include diet high in saturated and trans fats, extra weight, inactivity, smoking, genetics, age, diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and medicines like some diuretics, steroids, and HIV medicines.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause high cholesterol reading. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • High cholesterolSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Too much LDL (bad) cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.

What you can do at home

  • Eat less saturated fat (fatty meat, butter, full-fat dairy) and more fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.
  • Lose weight if needed.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Limit alcohol if triglycerides are high.

Medicines

Statins are the main medicine and lower heart attack and stroke risk. Other options include ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors.

At the doctor

A blood test (lipid panel) measures cholesterol.

Questions you may be asked

  • Diet and exercise
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Smoking, diabetes, and blood pressure
  • Medicines

The exam

A physical exam, including blood pressure.

Tests

  • Lipid panel
  • Blood sugar, thyroid, and kidney tests
  • Heart risk calculation

Prevention

Heart-healthy habits help.

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Stay active
  • Don't smoke
  • Get cholesterol checked

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.