High cholesterol
High cholesterol is a high level of fatty substances in the blood. It usually has no symptoms, but raises the risk of heart attack and stroke — and it can often be lowered.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- High cholesterol usually has no symptoms — a blood test is the only way to know.
- It raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It can often be lowered with lifestyle changes and, where needed, medicine.
On this page (5 sections)
Overview
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood. Having too much of the harmful type can build up in the walls of your blood vessels and narrow them, which raises the risk of heart and circulation problems [1].
Symptoms
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so the only way to find out is to have a blood test [1].
Causes and risk factors
Cholesterol can be raised by an unhealthy diet, being overweight, smoking and drinking too much alcohol, and the risk is also affected by age, family history and some other factors [1].
How it is lowered
The main steps are eating a healthy diet with less saturated fat, being physically active, keeping to a healthy weight and not smoking. Some people also need to take medicine, such as statins, to lower their cholesterol [1]. This page does not recommend a specific medicine.
Getting checked
You can ask your GP surgery about a cholesterol check, especially if you have other risk factors. A healthcare professional can advise on what is right for you [1].
Sources
- NHS. High cholesterol (opens in new tab) Last reviewed 13 March 2026. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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