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What is high cholesterol? - High cholesterol

  • High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood.
  • It's mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families.
  • You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Some people also need to take medicine.
  • Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.
  • High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
Information:

Heart UK has separate information about inherited high cholesterol that starts at a young age (familial hypercholesterolaemia).

Find out about familial hypercholesterolaemia on the Heart UK website

Page last reviewed: 13 July 2022
Next review due: 13 July 2025