HIGH CHOLESTEROL – DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT & LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT

High blood cholesterol is a major contributor to various cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of heart-related deaths in the UK. Early assessment and proper management can play a critical role in reducing cardiac risks and complications.

Book Online Book Video Consultation
Fatty deposits in arteries due to HIGH CHOLESTEROL.

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL AND WHY ITS OPTIMAL LEVEL MATTERS?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for energy production, cellular health, and metabolism. Maintaining it within a healthy range is crucial. High levels can build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, while optimal levels support long-term cardiovascular health.

HDL, LDL, TRIGLYCERIDES: UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS

HDL Cholesterol

Commonly known as ‘Good Cholesterol’, HDL helps remove excess LDL from your arteries and transports it to the liver, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

LDL Cholesterol

LDL is often called ‘Bad’ Cholesterol as it builds up fats in arteries at an elevated level, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Triglycerides

These fats store extra energy from your diet. Elevated triglyceride levels, especially when combined with high LDL, can raise the risk of heart-related complications. 

SYMPTOMS OF RAISED BLOOD CHOLESTEROL

Most people with excess LDL cholesterol usually don’t experience any signs until they develop health complications. While others may feel one or more of the following signs mentioned below:

WHAT CAUSES HIGH CHOLESTEROL?

Several factors can contribute to raising your cholesterol. Among all lifestyle choices and family history plays a major role in elevating your cholesterol levels. Common causes include:

  • Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
  • Diets rich in saturated and trans fats
  • Smoking
  • Obesity, particularly excess fat around the waist
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Age-related changes
  • Ethnic background
  • Family history of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

DIAGNOSIS

Raised cholesterol level often shows no noticeable symptoms, so it cannot be detected without testing. A simple lipid profile is required to measure your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. While fasting isn’t always required, an 8-hour fast can provide more precise results.

Book your Consultation

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco cardiologist in a face-to-face consultation with a patient during a private heart assessment

TREATMENT OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco manages your elevated cholesterol levels using a preventive cardiology approach by prioritising early assessment, lifestyle optimisation, and personalised cardiovascular risk management. Evaluating your cardiovascular profile, Dr Monaco develops personalised strategies to maintain optimum cholesterol levels, reduce long-term heart risk, and protect heart health, well before complications develop.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR MANAGING HIGH CHOLESTEROL

  • Follow a heart-healthy diet to reduce saturated fats and support a healthy balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol.
  • Engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular fitness.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and reduce excess abdominal fat
  • Quit smoking to improve cardiovascular health and minimise the risks. 
  • Manage stress effectively and ensure good-quality sleep.

BOOK YOUR CARDIOLOGY APPOINTMENT

Experiencing risk factors such as high cholesterol, fatigue, chest pain, or are concerned about your heart health? Early assessment can make a meaningful difference. Book a consultation with Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a London-based preventive cardiology expert, for personalised evaluation, early risk management, and long-term heart health planning.

Book Your Appointment Online

FAQs

For routine screening, an annual lipid profile test is recommended. Individuals with elevated cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors may require testing every three months for closer monitoring. 

NHS UK recommends keeping total cholesterol below 5 mmol/L to support overall heart health.

HDL (Good) cholesterol should be above 1.0 mmol/L for men and above 1.2 mmol/L for women, as it helps remove excess or bad cholesterol from the blood.

LDL cholesterol should be below 4 mmol/L, since higher levels can narrow or block blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Reducing oily and processed foods while increasing fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats can help lower cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular health.

Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol by increasing cortisol levels, which may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk over time. 

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition in which the liver is unable to effectively clear excess LDL cholesterol from the blood, leading to its persistently high levels.

Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of fatty plaque build-up in the arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Dietary changes, regular physical activity, and weight management can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Severely elevated cholesterol requires specialist assessment to determine appropriate treatment and long-term risk management.