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Moderate severity
· Cardiology
High Cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia · LDL build-up in arteries
Too much LDL ("bad") cholesterol or too little HDL silently coats artery walls. There are no symptoms — a blood test is the only way to know.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 4 Indian adults
- Typical age
- Any adult
- Outlook
- Reversible with lifestyle + statins
- System
- Heart
Reviewed by a practising cardiology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Diet high in trans-fats
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism
- Excess alcohol
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Usually silent
- Yellow patches near eyelids (severe)
- Chest pain if plaques rupture
- Stroke or heart attack as first sign
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Statin therapy when indicated
- High-fiber, plant-based diet
- 30 min cardio 5 days/week
- Manage related diabetes, BP
- Lipid profile every 6–12 months
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Limit saturated fat to under 7% calories
- Avoid trans-fats and deep-fried snacks
- Eat oats, lentils, nuts, fish
- Maintain a 30-inch waist (women) / 35-inch (men)
- Quit smoking
Do’s
- Cook with mustard, olive or sesame oil
- Choose whole grains and legumes
- Walk briskly 45 mins daily
- Re-check lipid panel in 12 weeks of change
Don’ts
- Eat reused frying oil
- Believe "thin" means safe
- Mix high-dose statin with grapefruit juice
- Self-prescribe red yeast rice
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.