Overview
High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is needed by the body, but high levels of certain types can build up in blood vessels over time and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It usually causes no symptoms.
How common is it?
High cholesterol is common and becomes more likely with age. It can also affect younger adults and children when it runs in families.
Causes and risk factors
Levels can be influenced by diet, activity, weight, smoking, alcohol, age, and some health conditions. Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia, which can cause high cholesterol from a young age.
Common risk factors
- A close relative with early heart disease or known familial hypercholesterolaemia
- Diabetes, kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, or other long-term conditions
- Eating a diet high in saturated fat, smoking, lower activity, or excess weight
- Getting older, going through menopause, or some medicines
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms
- Rarely, inherited high cholesterol can be associated with fatty deposits around the eyes, tendons, or skin
- Chest pain, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or sudden shortness of breath need urgent assessment and are not symptoms to wait out
When to see a doctor
Ask for a cholesterol and cardiovascular-risk check if you have risk factors, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or close relatives with early heart disease. Get urgent help for possible heart-attack or stroke symptoms.
Diagnosis
A blood test measures cholesterol and other fats in the blood. A clinician interprets the result alongside your age, blood pressure, smoking status, medical history, and family history rather than using one number in isolation. Further tests or a specialist referral may be needed if inherited high cholesterol is suspected.
Treatments
Lifestyle changes
Eating less saturated fat and more fibre-rich foods, being active, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol can improve cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels.
Statins and other medicines
Statins are commonly used to lower cardiovascular risk. If they are not suitable or do not lower cholesterol enough, a clinician may discuss other medicines.
Family assessment
If familial hypercholesterolaemia is possible, specialist assessment and testing of close relatives may be offered.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Take cholesterol medicine regularly and do not stop it because you feel well
- Tell your prescriber about muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, pregnancy plans, and all medicines or supplements you take
- Ask before using grapefruit products if you take a statin, as advice differs between medicines
- Attend follow-up blood tests when advised
Prevention
Healthy eating, regular activity, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can lower risk. Inherited high cholesterol cannot be prevented, but early testing and treatment can reduce its effects.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 by Living Diabetes Editorial Team. This guide was checked against current patient and professional guidance. It is educational and does not replace care from your own healthcare team.