High Cholesterol Symptoms

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

Without a blood test, it’s unlikely you’ll be aware you have high cholesterol as it doesn’t actually have any symptoms.

You can ask your doctor for a test to check your levels, and they will book you in for a blood test, or they may take a sample if they believe you are at risk.

As there are no symptoms, certain people are advised to have regular tests to keep an eye on their levels. The NHS advise regular tests if:

you’re over 40
you have a genetic link with early cardiovascular disease, such as if your parent or sibling have or had the condition
you have coronary heart disease, stroke, mini stroke or peripheral arterial disease
familial hypercholesterolaemia runs in your family
you are overweight or obese
you have a medical condition such as:

diabetes
kidney disease
high blood pressure
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
pancreatitis

High cholesterol can lead to serious conditions developing, including a stroke or heart attack - call 999 if you think you or someone you are with is having a heart attack or stroke.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

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