High Cholesterol Treatment in London

What is Cholesterol, and When is it Considered High?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance (lipid) that is important for cell structure, energy production, the functioning of essential hormones & vitamins. However, at abnormally high levels, it can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, making regular monitoring essential for cardiovascular wellness.

What Actually Causes High Cholesterol?

Elevated cholesterol (lipid) levels can develop for several reasons, often due to a combination of health, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Because it progresses silently, early detection and regular monitoring are key to preventing serious cardiovascular complications.

Lifestyle Factors

Unhealthy and high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are the leading causes of persistently high cholesterol levels. 

Medical Condition

Health issues such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disorders, and thyroid dysfunction are the main contributors to increased cholesterol levels.

Genetic Factors

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia is a common inherited condition that significantly increases cholesterol levels, causing an elevated risk of developing early heart disease.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol rarely causes noticeable symptoms, making it hard to detect earlier. The only reliable ways to identify raised cholesterol levels are regular blood tests and heart monitoring.  Some common signs of high blood cholesterol levels may include: 

Shortness of Breath

Plaque buildup in the arteries can restrict the blood flow and oxygen supply. It makes you feel drained and breathless even when performing simple activities. 

Extreme Fatigue

You may feel constantly tired, as high cholesterol causes your heart to work harder to pump blood through narrowed or blocked arteries.

Dizziness

Poor blood circulation can limit oxygen supply to the brain, which causes lightheadedness, especially during exertion.

Chest Pain

A tight, heavy sensation in your chest can occur when cholesterol accumulates in your arteries and reduces the blood flow. A severe blockage in blood circulation may cause angina.

At The National Heart Clinic, we offer comprehensive lipid profiling to assess your cardiovascular risk and develop a personalised treatment strategy for optimum heart health.

Types of Cholesterol

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

High-Density Lipoprotein or ‘Good Cholesterol’ moves excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, which breaks it down and removes it from the body, hence improving your arterial blood flow and supporting cardiac health. 

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

Low-Density Lipoprotein or ‘Bad Cholesterol’ builds up in your arteries in the form of plaque, causing them to be narrowed or blocked. It can cause a heart attack or stroke, depending on the severity of the blockage. 

Our Diagnostic Approach to High Blood Cholesterol 

At The National Heart Clinic, we use advanced diagnostics to detect high cholesterol and manage associated risks. Through comprehensive lipid testing and cardiovascular assessments, our clinicians thoroughly analyse your heart health and provide personalised treatment to support long-term risk prevention and improved cardiac wellbeing.

Managing High Cholesterol Levels

We use an integrated approach to effectively manage your high cholesterol, addressing both lifestyle and clinical factors. Our specialists assess your cardiovascular risk and develop a personalised treatment plan combining dietary and lifestyle guidance, advanced diagnostic imaging, and therapies to reduce your cholesterol level effectively. Based on these approaches, we may recommend further evaluations through:

Book a Private Lipidologist Appointment in London

Are you concerned about your cholesterol levels or want a professional checkup? Contact our expert lipidologists at The National Heart Clinic for precise diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and practical guidance to manage elevated lipid levels effectively.

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