High cholesterol
High cholesterol has no symptoms, but it quietly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. James reads your cholesterol numbers together with your age, blood pressure and family history to decide what, if anything, needs treatment.
Who should see an internist about this
- A blood test showed high cholesterol or high triglycerides.
- A close family member had a heart attack or stroke, especially before age 60.
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure, or you smoke.
- You started a cholesterol medicine and want the dose, side effects or targets reviewed.
- You have never had your cholesterol checked and want a baseline.
What happens at your visit
Dr. James goes through your lipid profile (the fat breakdown in your blood test) and asks about diet, activity, smoking, alcohol and family history. He checks your blood pressure, weight and waist, because these change what your cholesterol numbers mean for you.
The key question is your overall heart risk, not one number. Two people with the same cholesterol can need very different treatment. Dr. James explains your risk plainly and agrees whether lifestyle change alone is safe, or whether a medicine would protect you better.
How to prepare
- Bring your last lipid profile and any older reports for comparison.
- Bring a list of medicines and supplements you take.
- If a new blood test may be done, ask when you book whether fasting is needed, as some tests prefer a fasting sample.
After your visit
You leave knowing your numbers and your target. If lifestyle change is the plan, you get clear goals for food, weight and activity, and a recheck date to see if it is working. If a medicine is needed, the reason and the follow-up schedule are explained before you start.
Common questions
What is LDL and HDL in simple words?
Cholesterol travels in the blood in two main forms. LDL is often called bad cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls. HDL helps carry cholesterol away, so higher is usually better. Your report shows both, plus triglycerides, another blood fat linked to diet and sugar.
Can I lower cholesterol with food alone?
Sometimes. If your numbers are only mildly raised and your overall heart risk is low, changes in diet, weight and activity may be enough for a trial period. If your risk is higher, tablets protect you better while you work on lifestyle.
Do cholesterol medicines have to be taken for life?
For many people they are long-term, because cholesterol rises again when the medicine stops. That is normal and not a failure. Dr. James reviews the need at each visit and adjusts the plan if your numbers and risk improve.
I am young. Should I still check my cholesterol?
Yes, especially if a close family member had a heart attack or stroke early, or if you have diabetes, smoke, or carry extra weight. One blood test gives a clear baseline, and it takes a few minutes.
Will I feel any different on treatment?
Most people feel nothing, because cholesterol itself causes no symptoms. Some medicines can cause muscle aches in a small number of people. If that happens, tell us and the treatment can be changed rather than stopped.
