High blood cholesterol is often silent. Start lipid testing around age 20 for a baseline and repeat every 4-6 years if low risk. Control cholesterol with a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, weight management, and - when needed - cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins. Regular follow-up is essential because high cholesterol increases risk for heart attack and stroke.

High cholesterol usually has no obvious signs

Most people with high blood cholesterol don't feel different. Many only learn they have elevated lipids after a routine blood test or when they develop heart disease or have a stroke. In some people, fatty yellow bumps called xanthomas can appear on the skin, but those are uncommon.

Who should get tested and how often

Guidelines recommend a baseline lipid panel in early adulthood. Many clinicians advise adults to have a lipid panel starting around age 20, then every 4-6 years if results are normal and risk is low. People with diabetes, known cardiovascular disease, a family history of early heart disease, or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent testing.

A standard lipid panel reports total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Non-fasting lipid panels are often acceptable for screening; if triglycerides are high, a fasting test may be requested.

Know the common risk factors

High cholesterol is more likely when you have other risk factors for heart disease: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, and a family history of early heart disease. Age and sex also influence risk: risk increases with age and differs between men and women at various life stages.

Lifestyle changes that lower cholesterol

Lifestyle improvements are the first line of prevention and therapy:
  • Choose a heart-healthy eating pattern: reduce saturated and trans fats, cut added sugars, and favor vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats (for example, from fish, nuts, and vegetable oils).
  • Be physically active: aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening on two or more days.
  • Stop smoking and limit excessive alcohol.
  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
These changes usually improve LDL, HDL, and triglycerides and lower overall cardiovascular risk.

When medications are recommended

If lifestyle measures are not enough, or if your calculated cardiovascular risk is high, clinicians commonly prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins are the most widely used and are proven to reduce heart attacks and strokes. Your clinician will consider your LDL level, overall risk, and other health conditions when recommending medication and follow-up testing.

Keep checking and follow your clinician's plan

Regular follow-up helps track response to lifestyle changes or medications. If you have risk factors or a strong family history, your clinician may check lipids and other risk markers more often. Because high cholesterol is usually silent, routine testing and prevention are key to reducing long-term heart and stroke risk.

FAQs about Signs Of High Cholesterol

How will I know if I have high cholesterol?
Most people have no symptoms. A lipid panel (blood test) is the only reliable way to detect high cholesterol. Rarely, yellowish skin bumps called xanthomas appear.
When should I get my cholesterol checked?
Get a baseline lipid panel in early adulthood (around age 20). If results are normal and you have low risk, repeat every 4-6 years. Test earlier or more often if you have diabetes, a family history of early heart disease, or other risk factors.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Many clinics accept non-fasting lipid panels for routine screening. If triglycerides are high or if your clinician requests it, a fasting sample may be needed.
What lifestyle changes lower cholesterol?
Reduce saturated and trans fats, cut added sugars, eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, exercise regularly (about 150 minutes/week moderate), stop smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight.
When are medications recommended?
If lifestyle changes don't lower cholesterol enough, or if your calculated cardiovascular risk is moderate to high, clinicians often prescribe statins. Medication decisions are based on LDL level, overall risk, and other health factors.

News about Signs Of High Cholesterol

What To Know About High Cholesterol That Runs in the Family - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials [Visit Site | Read More]

Most people with high-cholesterol gene don't know they have it, warns study - BBC Science Focus Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]

Signs of high cholesterol that can show in the legs — symptoms to look out for - The Mirror [Visit Site | Read More]

What you should know about cholesterol and how it really impacts your health - The Independent [Visit Site | Read More]