High Cholesterol Symptoms: The Common Signs To Look Out For

In this article, we’ll look at the common signs and symptoms of high cholesterol and what they could mean for your health. We’ll look at what high cholesterol is, how common it is in the UK and how it is typically diagnosed. As well as this, we will also explain the potential health risks associated with high cholesterol, including serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

While high cholesterol itself doesn’t always cause symptoms, we’ll outline the signs that could indicate a problem and what steps you can take to manage your cholesterol levels effectively. We’ll also cover treatment options available and the support you can access if you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about high cholesterol and its symptoms:

• High cholesterol affects more than one in five adults in the UK, and many people are unaware they have it because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms.

• If left unmanaged, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.

• Changes to diet, regular exercise and healthier lifestyle choices, such as stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake, are key to managing cholesterol levels.

• In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to manage high cholesterol, and medications like statins may be prescribed.

• There are several sources of support for people with high cholesterol, including the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline, HEART UK and your GP.

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a condition where there is too much cholesterol (a fatty substance) in your blood. Cholesterol is essential for the body to function correctly, as it helps build cell membranes and produce hormones. Having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), however, is often called "bad" cholesterol. This can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol levels are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics and certain medical conditions. While high cholesterol itself doesn’t usually cause symptoms, it can contribute to serious health problems if left untreated or unrecognised. 

How prevalent is high cholesterol in the UK?

High cholesterol is a common condition in the UK, affecting more than one in five adults, which is thought to be around 10 million people. This number may be larger, as many people are unaware they have it. High cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms and can only be detected through a blood test. If left unmanaged, high cholesterol can increase the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke [1].

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

High cholesterol is usually diagnosed through a blood test, as it does not typically cause noticeable symptoms. Your GP may recommend a cholesterol test based on factors such as your age, weight or existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

According to the NHS, there are two main types of cholesterol tests [2]:

• A blood test from your arm – A sample is taken with a needle and sent to a lab, with results available in a few days. In some cases, fasting for up to 12 hours beforehand may be required.

• A finger-prick test – This is often included in an NHS Health Check for those over 40. A drop of blood is placed on a test strip and analysed within a few minutes.

You can request a cholesterol test from your GP surgery. Some pharmacies also offer tests, though you may have to pay for these. If your results indicate high cholesterol, your doctor will discuss lifestyle changes and possible treatments to help lower your levels and reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.

What are the common symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol itself does not usually cause any symptoms, which is why many people may have it without realising. The only way to know for certain if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test. Over time, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke, which may cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or numbness in the legs or arms.

Because there are no obvious warning signs, it’s important to get your cholesterol levels checked, especially if you have risk factors such as being over 40, having a family history of heart problems or living with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

What other health problems can high cholesterol cause?

High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems by contributing to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. Over time, this can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of:

• Heart disease – Reduced blood flow to the heart can lead to conditions like angina or a heart attack.

• Stroke – If a blockage occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, it can cause a stroke, which may result in permanent damage or disability.

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – Narrowed arteries in the legs can cause pain, weakness and poor circulation, leading to complications such as ulcers or infections.

How can I treat high cholesterol?

Treating high cholesterol typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Below is a brief overview of high cholesterol treatments and how they might be able to help you.

Better dietary choices

Making better dietary choices plays a crucial role in managing high cholesterol. By adopting a heart-healthy diet, you can reduce the intake of saturated fats, which are found in foods like fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and processed snacks. Replacing these with healthier fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados can help lower levels of bad cholesterol. Increasing your intake of fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can also help reduce cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream.

Increased physical activity

Increased physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage high cholesterol. Regular exercise helps raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging can improve heart health by strengthening the heart, reducing blood pressure and helping to maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

Healthy lifestyle choices

Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, can have a significant impact on managing high cholesterol. Smoking damages blood vessels, lowers good cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking helps improve circulation, raises good cholesterol levels and reduces the overall risk of cardiovascular problems.

Reducing alcohol intake can also help lower cholesterol levels, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to higher triglyceride levels and contribute to weight gain, both of which can worsen cholesterol issues.

Taking medications recommended by your healthcare provider (statins)

Taking medications recommended by your healthcare provider is an important step in treating high cholesterol, especially when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Statins, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are commonly prescribed to lower bad cholesterol by reducing its production in the liver. These medications can help prevent cholesterol from building up in the arteries, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Regular monitoring

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is key to effectively managing high cholesterol and ensuring that treatment plans are working. Routine blood tests allow your healthcare provider to track your cholesterol levels over time and make any necessary adjustments to your diet, lifestyle, or medications. Monitoring helps identify any changes in cholesterol levels and can alert your doctor to potential health risks, such as an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.

What support is available for patients with high cholesterol?

British Heart Foundation's Heart Helpline

The British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline provides support for people living with high cholesterol and other heart-related conditions. The helpline offers expert advice from trained healthcare professionals on managing cholesterol levels, understanding treatments and making healthier lifestyle choices. You can contact the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline on 0808 802 1234.

HEART UK

HEART UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with high cholesterol and lipid disorders. It offers a wide range of resources, including information on cholesterol management, healthy eating and the latest research on lipid conditions. HEART UK helps patients understand their condition and provides practical tips for managing cholesterol.

Your GP

Your GP is often the first point of contact for managing high cholesterol. They can assess your risk, recommend appropriate treatments and provide ongoing monitoring of your cholesterol levels. GPs can also support lifestyle changes, offering advice on diet, exercise and quitting smoking. If necessary, they can also refer you to specialists or support services.

Final Thoughts

Managing high cholesterol is essential for maintaining good heart health and preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. High cholesterol often has no obvious symptoms, so regular blood tests and monitoring are key to detecting it early. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, can significantly help lower cholesterol levels.

In some cases, medication like statins may be necessary to control cholesterol levels effectively. With the right treatment plan, regular check-ups and the support available from healthcare providers and organisations like the British Heart Foundation and HEART UK, you can take steps to manage your cholesterol and reduce the risk of complications.

Sources

[1] High cholesterol | Stroke Association

[2] High cholesterol - Getting tested - NHS

Further Reading

High cholesterol causes and signs • Heart Research Institute UK

Heart UK

Adults' health: Cholesterol - NHS England Digital

High cholesterol: Symptoms, causes and treatment | Bupa UK

High cholesterol - NHS

High cholesterol - How to lower your cholesterol - NHS

High cholesterol - symptoms, causes & levels - BHF

Reducing your high cholesterol - British Heart Foundation

High cholesterol | NHS inform