High Cholesterol
High cholesterol causes a build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It produces no symptoms — a blood test is the only way to detect it. With the right treatment, cholesterol levels can be effectively controlled.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced naturally by the liver and also obtained from food. It is essential for building cell membranes and producing hormones — but too much of it in the blood leads to atherosclerosis, the progressive narrowing and hardening of arteries that underlies most heart attacks and strokes.
Types of cholesterol
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) — "bad" cholesterol that deposits in artery walls and increases cardiovascular risk
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) — "good" cholesterol that transports LDL back to the liver for removal; higher levels are protective
- Triglycerides — another type of blood fat that contributes to cardiovascular risk when elevated
A full fasting lipid panel measures LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides — giving a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk. Our doctors can request this test and interpret the results for you.
Causes & risk factors
- Diet high in saturated and trans fats — red meat, processed foods, and full-fat dairy
- Physical inactivity — regular exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL
- Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat
- Smoking — lowers HDL and damages blood vessel walls
- Family history — familial hypercholesterolaemia is a genetic condition causing very high LDL from birth
- Medical conditions — hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes can raise cholesterol
When to see a doctor
Adults over 40 should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years — or more frequently if you have cardiovascular risk factors. If you have never had a cholesterol test, or have not had one recently, now is the time to get one.
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Treatment options
- Diet modification — reducing saturated fat and increasing fibre, oily fish, and plant sterols
- Regular aerobic exercise — raises HDL and lowers LDL and triglycerides
- Statins — the most effective and widely used medication for lowering LDL cholesterol
- Ezetimibe — reduces cholesterol absorption in the gut, used alone or with statins
- PCSK9 inhibitors — injectable medication for very high-risk patients or those intolerant of statins
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors request and review lipid panel results, calculate your overall cardiovascular risk, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan — including lifestyle guidance and prescriptions where needed. We also provide ongoing monitoring and medication reviews.
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