High Cholesterol: Understanding Your Lipid Profile
A cholesterol report is more useful when read alongside your blood pressure, diabetes history and family history of heart disease.
Treatment at a glance
Food and activity
Medicines when indicated
Repeat review
Treatment is based on overall cardiovascular risk, with lifestyle changes and medicines when appropriate.
Before your consultation
Use these points to prepare for your consultation.
- Bring your current and previous lipid reports.
- Note any heart attacks or strokes in close relatives.
- List current medicines and any previous side effects.
Chest pressure or sudden stroke symptoms require emergency care. They should not be managed by waiting for a cholesterol test.
Understanding high cholesterol
A cholesterol report is more useful when read alongside your blood pressure, diabetes history and family history of heart disease.
What it means
Dyslipidaemia means an unhealthy balance of fats in the blood, such as raised LDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Over time, excess LDL can contribute to deposits in artery walls. The aim of care is to lower future heart and stroke risk, not simply improve one number on a report.
Symptoms to recognise
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms; A blood test is needed to check cholesterol levels; A healthy weight or lack of chest pain does not rule it out.
Treatment at a glance
Treatment is based on overall cardiovascular risk, with lifestyle changes and medicines when appropriate.
When to seek care
Book a review for an abnormal lipid report, particularly if you also have diabetes or known heart disease.
Symptoms to recognise
- High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms
- A blood test is needed to check cholesterol levels
- A healthy weight or lack of chest pain does not rule it out
Causes and risk factors
Discuss your medical history and these factors during your assessment.
How it is assessed
The choice of tests depends on your symptoms and the findings of your assessment.
1. Clinical assessment
A lipid profile measures different blood fats, including LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Your doctor interprets these with your age, blood pressure, smoking history and existing conditions.
2. Tests and investigations
Follow the laboratory’s advice on fasting.
3. Further assessment
Very high levels or a strong family history may warrant further assessment.
Treatment approaches
Medical care and ongoing management
- Food and activity: More fibre-rich foods and less saturated and trans fat can help. Choose an activity routine that is suitable for your health.
- Medicines when indicated: Statins are commonly prescribed. Other medicines may be considered if targets are not reached or statins are unsuitable.
- Repeat review: Follow-up blood tests help show whether the plan is working. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
Repeat review
Follow-up blood tests help show whether the plan is working. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
Follow-up helps your doctor review how well your treatment is working.
When to seek care
Arrange a review of your lipid profile and cardiovascular risk.
Arrange a review
Plan your next consultation
- Book a review for an abnormal lipid report, particularly if you also have diabetes or known heart disease.
Seek urgent care
Do not wait for a routine appointment when urgent warning signs occur.
- Chest pressure or sudden stroke symptoms require emergency care. They should not be managed by waiting for a cholesterol test.
Not Sure What You Need?
Arrange a review of your lipid profile and cardiovascular risk.
Talk to Care GuideWant to make sense of your cholesterol report?
Contact Mediversal Simran Hospital, Begusarai, about a review and bring any earlier results for comparison.
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