High Cholesterol

Overview

Cholesterol is essential for building cells, but too much “bad” LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream causes fatty deposits (plaques) to build up inside arteries. Persistently high cholesterol accelerates atherosclerosis, dramatically raising the risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Early detection and lifestyle changes can bring cholesterol under control and prevent life-threatening complications.

What Counts as “High” Cholesterol?

Total cholesterol

< 5.0 mmol/L

LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

< 3.0 mmol/L (ideally < 2.5 mmol/L for high-risk groups)

HDL (“good”) cholesterol

1.0 mmol/L (men) / > 1.2 mmol/L (women)

Triglycerides

< 1.7 mmol/L (fasting)

Causes & Risk Factors

• Diet high in saturated or trans fats
• Lack of exercise
• Excess weight or obesity
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Medical conditions: Type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease
• Family history of early heart disease (familial hypercholesterolaemia)
• Ageing (men > 45, women > 55)

Symptoms

High cholesterol itself is silent – most people feel perfectly well until a serious event (heart attack, stroke) occurs. That’s why routine blood tests are vital.

Serious Health Risks

Unchecked hyperlipidaemia can lead to:

• Coronary artery disease (angina, heart attack)
• Ischaemic stroke or TIA
• Carotid and peripheral artery disease (leg pain when walking)
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Fatty-liver disease

Diagnosis

Our lipid and cardiovascular clinic offers:

• Fasting or non-fasting lipid profile (total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
• HbA1c & glucose to screen for diabetes
• Blood-pressure and cardiovascular risk assessment (QRISK3)
• Carotid ultrasound or CT angiography if plaque is suspected

Treatment & Management

Lifestyle First

• Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains & oily fish
• Cutting back on red meat, processed snacks and sugary drinks
• At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week
• Weight-management and smoking-cessation support

Medication

• Statins (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin) to lower LDL
• Ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors for statin-intolerant or very high-risk patients
• Omega-3 prescription therapy for elevated triglycerides in some cases

Ongoing Monitoring

• 3- to 12-month follow-up blood tests to ensure targets are met
• Blood-pressure and diabetes checks
• Collaboration with our Heart & Stroke Prevention teams for high-risk individuals

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant cardiologists
• Rapid on-site blood testing and advanced vascular imaging
• Personalised lifestyle and dietetic programmes
• Access to stroke-prevention and cardiac-rehabilitation pathways
• Private suites, minimal waiting times, and 24/7 nursing support

Take charge before problems strike. Contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for a comprehensive cholesterol assessment and bespoke management plan.