High Cholesterol: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

High cholesterol is when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. It may be associated with symptoms such as a swollen, sensitive abdomen and small fatty deposits on the skin.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is important for overall health. It is made up of different fractions, such as LDL, HDL, and VLDL.

HDL, known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove “bad” cholesterol from the blood and helps protect heart health. LDL, known as “bad” cholesterol, is linked to a higher risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart attack.

High cholesterol symptoms

Possible symptoms of high cholesterol include:

• Fatty deposits around the eyes, known as xanthelasma

• Hard nodules on the Achilles tendons, hands, or elbows, known as tendon xanthomas

• A gray ring around the iris, called corneal arcus

• Increased sensitivity in the abdomen

• A swollen abdomen

According to the CDC, high blood cholesterol typically has no signs or symptoms, so many people do not know their cholesterol is high until it is found on a blood test.

Confirming a diagnosis

High cholesterol should be diagnosed by a primary care provider or cardiologist based on a symptoms, a physical exam, and the person’s medical and family history.

To confirm the diagnosis, the provider may also order a lipid panel, which is a blood test that measures LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol is considered very high when it reaches 190 mg/dL or more. Even so, treatment decisions are based on a person’s overall cardiovascular risk and not just one cholesterol result, according to the 2026 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association multisociety guideline on dyslipidemia.

What causes high cholesterol?

The possible causes of high cholesterol are:

• A diet high in saturated fat

• A sedentary lifestyle

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Hypothyroidism

• Familial hypercholesterolemia

• Uncontrolled diabetes

In addition, high cholesterol may also happen as a side effect of medications such as birth control pills, diuretics, and some antidepressants.

How to lower cholesterol

To lower cholesterol levels, the following measures are recommended:

1. Healthy diet

It is recommended to follow a healthy diet and prioritize fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, since these foods are rich in fiber and antioxidants that can help lower blood cholesterol levels.

However, foods high in saturated fat and sugar, such as fast food, ice cream, pizza, french fries, and cakes, should be avoided. These high cholesterol foods can promote fat buildup in the blood vessels.

2. Physical activity

To lower cholesterol, it is important to exercise at least 3 times a week, such as by running, swimming, dancing, doing calisthenics, or strength training.

Physical activity helps with weight loss or weight maintenance. It can also help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Home remedies

Some home remedies, such as turmeric, artichoke tea, dandelion tea, and green tea, have antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties and may also be recommended by a healthcare provider to help lower cholesterol.

4. Medications

When cholesterol levels do not improve with lifestyle changes, a cardiologist may recommend medications that lower cholesterol or reduce its absorption, such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, or pitavastatin.

Risks and complications

When it is not treated, high cholesterol can increase the risk of:

• Atherosclerosis

• Coronary artery disease

• Angina

• Heart attack

• High blood pressure

• Stroke

• Heart failure

• Peripheral artery disease

• Vascular dementia

In addition, small atheroma plaques in the blood vessels may eventually break loose and cause thrombosis (blood clots).

Can high cholesterol be life-threatening?

High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, which can sometimes be life-threatening. Over time, uncontrolled high cholesterol increases the risk of these complications.