Hypercholesterolemia: What Causes High Cholesterol and What You Can Do

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it raises your risk for heart attack and stroke. Knowing your numbers and taking simple steps can cut that risk. This page explains what the numbers mean, what causes high cholesterol, and practical ways to lower it — including safe options if you need medication.

How cholesterol is measured and what the numbers mean

Your doctor orders a lipid panel. Key results to watch: LDL (bad) — optimal <100 mg/dL; 100–129 near optimal; 130–159 borderline high; 160–189 high; ≥190 very high. HDL (good) — low if <40 mg/dL for men or <50 mg/dL for women; higher is better. Triglycerides — normal <150 mg/dL. If your results are outside target ranges, your doctor will factor in age, smoking, blood pressure, and diabetes to decide next steps.

How often to test: once every 4–6 years if you’re low risk and numbers are normal. If you have risk factors or are on treatment, tests are more frequent — often every few months until levels stabilize.

Practical steps to lower cholesterol

Start with lifestyle changes. They often make the biggest difference and can reduce or delay the need for medication.

- Eat smart: cut saturated fats (fried foods, fatty cuts of meat), avoid trans fats (read labels), and add soluble fiber (oats, beans, apples). Snack on nuts and use olive oil instead of butter. Fatty fish twice a week adds heart-healthy omega-3s.

- Move more: aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming help raise HDL and lower LDL.

- Lose weight if needed: dropping even 5–10% of body weight improves cholesterol and blood pressure.

- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: both steps improve heart health quickly.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medicines are effective. Statins are the first-line drugs — common names include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Other options are ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors for stubborn or genetic cases. All medications have pros and cons; muscle aches and changes in liver enzymes are possible side effects, so your doctor will monitor you.

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If you suspect high cholesterol, get tested and talk to your clinician about your risk and treatment choices. Small daily changes add up fast, and safe, effective medications are available when you need them.