High Cholesterol: What the Numbers Mean and How to Lower It
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, yet over time it can narrow the arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. A simple blood test shows your levels, and healthy lifestyle habits, with medicines when needed, can bring them down.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build cells and make hormones. It travels in the blood attached to proteins. LDL cholesterol can build up in artery walls, while HDL cholesterol helps carry cholesterol away. Triglycerides are another type of blood fat that is also measured in a lipid profile.
Understanding Your Numbers
| Measure | What it is | General aim |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | All cholesterol in the blood | Below 200 mg/dL |
| LDL (“bad”) | Can clog arteries | As low as advised for your risk |
| HDL (“good”) | Helps remove cholesterol | Higher is better |
| Triglycerides | Blood fats | Below 150 mg/dL |
Your target depends on your age and risk factors, so your doctor will advise the right goal for you.
What Raises Your Risk?
Lifestyle Steps That Help
- Eat vegetables, fruit, oats, beans, nuts and whole grains
- Choose olive oil, fish and other healthier fats
- Walk or exercise most days
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Fried and deep-fried foods
- Fatty red and processed meats
- Pastries, biscuits and packaged snacks with trans fat
- Sugary drinks
See our guides on the best diet to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure and high blood pressure signs and lifestyle tips.
Cholesterol and Men’s Health
Blocked or narrowed blood vessels can also affect blood flow to other parts of the body. Read does high cholesterol cause erectile dysfunction.
Medicines for Cholesterol
If lifestyle changes are not enough, or your risk is high, your doctor may prescribe a medicine such as a statin. Take it exactly as prescribed, keep your follow-up blood tests and never stop it without medical advice.
- You have chest pain or pressure
- You have sudden weakness, face drooping or slurred speech
- You have severe shortness of breath
Looking for heart care?
Browse our heart care category. Heart medicines must only be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Heart careFrequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my cholesterol?
Many healthy adults are tested every 4 to 6 years, and more often if they have risk factors. Your doctor will advise you.
Are eggs bad for cholesterol?
For most people, moderate egg intake is fine. Saturated and trans fats in the overall diet matter more.
Can I lower cholesterol without medicines?
Many people improve it with diet, activity and weight loss, but some need medicines as well.
More Reading
Sources: American Heart Association (AHA) on cholesterol; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cholesterol; NHS guidance on high cholesterol.