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Hormones and metabolism

High Cholesterol

Also called cholesterol, high cholesterol, lipid, high lipid, dyslipidemia

What it isSignsWhat to doWhat to avoidFeel betterCall a doctor

What this condition is

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Your body needs some of it, but when certain types stay too high, fatty deposits can slowly build up in your arteries and narrow them over the years. This raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, so it is found through a blood test. It is nothing to panic about. With healthier eating, regular activity and, when needed, medicine, cholesterol can be brought into a safe range and your heart well protected.

Signs to watch for

  • Usually no symptoms at all
  • Found through a routine lipid blood test
  • Very high levels may rarely cause small fatty bumps on the skin or around the eyes

What to do

  • Take your cholesterol medicine if prescribed
  • Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dals and nuts
  • Use healthier cooking oils in moderation
  • Stay active for about 30 minutes most days
  • Get your lipid profile checked as advised

What to avoid

  • Avoid fried foods, vanaspati and bakery items with trans fats
  • Cut down on red and processed meats
  • Do not stop your medicine without your doctor's advice
  • Avoid tobacco, which worsens artery damage

Ways to feel better day to day

  • Cook with less oil and choose grilling, steaming or roasting
  • Add fibre rich foods like oats, beans and fruits
  • Include a small handful of nuts in place of fried snacks
  • Keep a healthy weight and waist size
  • Be consistent, as steady habits matter more than quick fixes

Speak to a doctor if

  • Chest pain or breathlessness, which needs urgent attention
  • Weakness, numbness or speech difficulty, which needs urgent attention
  • Cholesterol staying high despite diet and medicine
  • Muscle pain or weakness after starting medicine
  • A strong family history of early heart disease

Your next step

Turn this into a plan that is yours

Everything above is general. Your dose, your targets and your test schedule depend on your age, your reports and the other conditions you live with.

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Doctors and care for high cholesterol

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Book online, a trained phlebotomist collects the sample at home.

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How to use this page. It explains conditions in plain language so that you can take part in your own care and know when to call. It is not a diagnosis and it does not know your age, your pregnancy, your kidney or liver function, or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

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Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

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Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.