Elevated blood cholesterol affects more than two in five adults in Australia. High cholesterol does not cause any signs or symptoms itself but can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes or medications can be effective at reducing your blood cholesterol to safer levels.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, also known as fat, produced by the liver and also found in food. Cholesterol is a necessary molecule, integral to cellular structures and hormone production. There are several different types of cholesterol: two important ones to measure are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
HDL is often informally referred to as “good” cholesterol as it collects excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver to be cleared from the body. Conversely, LDL accumulates in the walls of arteries, resulting in plaque build-up and narrowing the space within the blood vessel.
Triglycerides are a third type of fat found in the human body. When testing for or treating high cholesterol, triglycerides are also often included as high triglycerides alongside a poor balance of HDL to LDL cholesterol contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In some settings, other markers like Lp(a) or ApoB may be useful to measure.
Also known as hypercholesterolaemia, elevated cholesterol is a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. There is typically no single identifiable cause except in the case of a genetic condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia, which involves an inherited predisposition for high LDL.
Risk factors for developing high cholesterol include:
Although cholesterol is a necessary building block in the human body, too much of it – specifically, LDL cholesterol – can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Excess LDL cholesterol can stick to artery walls, leading to deposits known as plaque. In the long-term, plaque accumulation narrows the space within the artery and stiffens the blood vessel walls, a process known as atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow and oxygen through the artery.
High cholesterol is a known risk factor for:
Since high cholesterol does not display any symptoms, many people are unaware they have a problem. The condition is commonly detected during a routine health check, or with a targeted cardiac risk assessment for those with known risk factors for heart disease.
Learn more about cardiac risk assessment →
High cholesterol may be detected with a lipid profile blood test, which covers total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. If the lipid profile reports elevated cholesterol, your doctor will most likely first discuss how to lower cholesterol through lifestyle changes.
Addressing the modifiable risk factors that contribute to high cholesterol through lifestyle changes can help to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although you cannot change your age or genetics, you can:
The best diet for high cholesterol most closely resembles the Mediterranean eating pattern. This diet is rich in vegetables and fruits, and prioritises fish, seafood, legumes, and lean poultry over red meat as sources of protein. Healthy unsaturated fat-containing foods include oily fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Meanwhile, minimise or eliminate ultraprocessed carbohydrates and fats.
Cholesterol medication, most commonly in the form of statins, can be useful if lifestyle modifications are not enough to lower your cholesterol within the recommended range. Statins reduce cholesterol production by the liver and help to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. They are often also recommended for those who have a history of heart attack or stroke, as they can significantly reduce your chance of experiencing another event.
At Harbourside Cardiology, our team is dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centred care that aligns with the most recent clinical guidelines and research. We are with you every step of your health journey, providing continuity of care of all heart conditions from initial assessment through to treatment and recovery.
