What are the symptoms of high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)?
High cholesterol is almost completely silent and rarely produces direct physical symptoms until arterial plaque narrows blood flow.
- Silent in early and middle stages with zero pain or noticeable symptoms
- Chest tightness or breathlessness during brisk walking (if arterial narrowing is present)
- Small yellowish cholesterol deposits around eyelids (xanthelasma)
- Family history of premature heart attack or stroke before age 55
- Associated high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes multiplying risk
Warning signs: go to hospital at once
These indicate urgent vascular complications requiring immediate medical care.
- Sudden crushing chest pain, pressure, or heaviness radiating to left arm or jaw
- Sudden weakness, facial droop, or numbness on one side of the body (stroke sign)
- Sudden difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Severe sudden shortness of breath at rest
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 3 phases of high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
Lipid Profile Panel
Fasting lipid panel measuring Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides.
Target Calculation
Target LDL is customized based on existing diabetes, hypertension, and family history.
Plaque Stabilization
Statin medications, diet changes, and walking reduce heart attack risk by over 30%.
Which test shows high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)?
All cardiac lipid checks are processed rapidly in our on-site laboratory.
| Test | Best time | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Lipid Profile (Fasting 10–12 hrs) | At diagnosis & every 6 months | Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides |
| HbA1c & Fasting Glucose | Baseline check | Detects co-existing diabetes which multiplies cardiovascular risk |
| Liver Function Test (LFT) | Baseline & annual check | Ensures safety and tolerability before and during statin therapy |
How is high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia) treated?
Managing cholesterol combines dietary discipline, regular walking, and targeted lipid-lowering medication to protect arterial walls.
At Nareddy Care
- In-house same-day lipid profile testing
- Individualized cardiovascular risk assessment by Dr. Vishnu
- Personalized statin and lipid-lowering medication prescription
- Dietary and lifestyle counseling for sustainable lipid control
- Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and lipid response
Do at home
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in trans fats, deep-fried snacks, and palm oil
- Include oats, methi seeds, walnuts, and soluble fiber in daily meals
- Brisk walk 30 to 45 minutes daily at least 5 days a week
- Take prescribed cholesterol medication consistently at bedtime
Avoid
- Stopping statins abruptly without consulting your physician
- Relying purely on unverified home remedies when LDL is severely elevated
- Excessive saturated fats, bakery items, ghee, and re-used cooking oils
- Smoking and alcohol consumption, which severely depress protective HDL
How to prevent high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
Routine annual fasting lipid profile testing after age 30, brisk walking for 30–45 minutes daily, eating a fiber-rich heart-healthy diet with oats and nuts, avoiding trans fats, and taking prescribed statins regularly.
Questions people ask
Can high cholesterol be cured with diet alone?
Mild elevations in low-risk individuals can often improve with strict diet and daily exercise. However, patients with diabetes, hypertension, or established cardiac risk require statins to keep LDL below safe thresholds.
Are statin medications safe to take long-term?
Statins are among the most extensively studied medications globally. They are exceptionally safe, protect blood vessels, and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Routine monitoring ensures complete safety.
What should my LDL target be?
For healthy adults, LDL below 100 mg/dL is desirable. For individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, Dr. Vishnu targets LDL below 70 mg/dL or even 55 mg/dL.
Adults seeDr. Vishnu Anjan NareddyMD (General Medicine)Children seeDr. Bramhini NareddyMD (Paediatrics)