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The Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a condition that results from having too much LDL or triglyceride cholesterol (or too much of both) in the body. High cholesterol can sometimes lead to heart attack and possibly death. While high cholesterol has no symptoms, it's important to have your cholesterol checked regularly through a blood test. It's the only way to know your cholesterol level and, if necessary, take action to reduce it.

  1. High Cholesterol Explained

    • Cholesterol is comprised of three things: triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The first two are detrimental to the body when they become too high; and either one of them alone (or working together) can cause an individual to have high cholesterol. The latter (HDL) is considered 'good' cholesterol and actually helps to keep the other two from becoming too high when its own level is in the appropriate high range. High cholesterol, then, is having too much of the waxy substance that is normally good for our body's organs and cells.

    Silent Symptoms

    • Since there are no physical symptoms that we experience when our triglyceride or LDL levels are getting high in the body, we must rely on the silent symptom--a lipid panel (also known as a lipid profile) blood test in order to determine our cholesterol levels. This test can reveal if high cholesterol is developing---or has already developed and needs treatment.

    Lifestyle Signs

    • Although there aren't any symptoms of high cholesterol, there are some potential lifestyle signs which can alert an individual, or their doctor, to possible high cholesterol levels. These can include a family history of high cholesterol, smoking, weight gain (especially in the middle of the body), not enough exercise, poor diet, high blood pressure and diabetes.

    By the Numbers

    • The following United States cholesterol level guidelines provided by the Mayo Clinic reflect what is considered high cholesterol ranges: triglycerides (anything between 200-499 mg/dL and above), low-density lipoproteins (LDL: 160-189 mg/dL and above), and total overall cholesterol (240 mg/dL and above).

    Treatment

    • Fortunately, there are many ways to treat high cholesterol. They include improving your diet, exercising regularly, taking supplements, and in some cases, medication. But the best way is a decision which you and your doctor must come to.

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