What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. Having too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. When you have high cholesterol, fatty deposits can build up in your blood vessels. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your arteries. Over time, these deposits can block blood flow to your heart or brain, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
There are different types of cholesterol in your body. LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can harm your heart and blood vessels. HDL cholesterol is called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove the bad cholesterol from your blood. Your provider measures these levels with a simple blood test to see if your cholesterol is too high.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can happen for different reasons. Sometimes it runs in families. Certain health conditions can make your cholesterol go up:
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Diabetes—When your body has trouble controlling blood sugar, it can affect your cholesterol levels.
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Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism)—The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that helps control how your body uses energy. When your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, your cholesterol can go up.
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Kidney disease—Problems with your kidneys, especially a condition called nephrotic syndrome (when your kidneys leak too much protein into your urine), can raise cholesterol.
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Liver disease—When bile (a fluid that helps digest food) can't flow properly from your liver, your cholesterol may increase.
Some medications can raise cholesterol:
- Birth control pills
- Steroids
- Some medicines for acne (isotretinoin)
Lifestyle can affect your cholesterol. Being overweight, not exercising, and eating foods high in saturated fat can raise your cholesterol. Alcohol consumption, stress levels, and smoking may also affect your cholesterol levels.
Is High Cholesterol Genetic?
High cholesterol can be genetic. People with a family history of high cholesterol may be at increased risk for high cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Symptoms
High cholesterol typically does not cause symptoms. The only way to check for high cholesterol is through a blood test called a lipid panel. The blood test measures the cholesterol content in your blood.
What is Considered High Cholesterol?
The definition of “high cholesterol” varies. It depends on several factors:
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Age
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Gender
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History of heart disease
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The type of cholesterol that is measured
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Other risk factors for heart disease, including family history, smoking, diabetes, and more.
Your health care provider will review your cholesterol levels with you and may help identify an individualized cholesterol goal level. In most cases, low levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are better.
Find a High Cholesterol Specialist
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Visit Our Lipid Clinic
University of Utah Health's Lipid Clinic is offered through the endocrinology division. Our endocrinologists have specialized training in areas of metabolism that affect cholesterol levels. Our clinic provides comprehensive assessments of cholesterol status. We work with you to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Our providers work with teams that include dietitians, pharmacists, and other experts who can help you manage your cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medications. Our lipid clinic is headed by Dr. Matthew Wahl, a board-certified endocrinologist with specialty training in lipidology. He is also a member of the National Lipid Association.
Seeing a lipid specialist is especially important if you have very high cholesterol, a family history of high cholesterol, or if your current treatment isn't working well enough. Ask your provider for a referral to schedule a visit with us.
High Cholesterol Treatments
Treatment for high cholesterol depends on your personal needs. Your provider will suggest a variety of options:
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Diet
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Exercise
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Medications
High Cholesterol Medication
There are many safe and effective cholesterol lowering medications available. Statins remain a first-line medication in many instances. Statins work to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. Your provider may suggest other medications if your cholesterol remains high or if you do not tolerate statins well.
Diet for High Cholesterol
Diet changes are often the first step in lowering your cholesterol levels. Follow a heart-healthy eating plan:
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Prioritize fruits and vegetables.
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Choose whole grains.
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Focus on good fats like extra virgin olive oil and omega-3s.
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Limit your intake of red meat, butter, and other foods high in saturated fat.
Our dietitians offer customized meal plans. Meet with one of our nutrition experts for help designing a meal plan to lower your cholesterol.
Make an Appointment
You’ll need a referral to meet with one our endocrinologists to discuss high cholesterol. Ask your primary care provider to submit a referral.
How to Safely Lower Your Cholesterol
Seeing high cholesterol on your lab report can be overwhelming, but the next steps do not have to be. Learn how small lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and—when needed—medications can work together to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
