Understanding High Total Cholesterol Levels

Total cholesterol is a measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. High total cholesterol (above 200 mg/dL) increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is Considered High?

A total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL is considered high. The degree of elevation can indicate the severity of the condition:

  • Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
  • High: 240-299 mg/dL
  • Very high: ≥300 mg/dL

Common Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Numbness in extremities

Cardiovascular Symptoms

  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Poor circulation
  • Cold hands and feet

Systemic Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Vision problems
  • Memory issues
  • Poor concentration
  • General weakness

Causes

Primary Causes

  • Genetic predisposition
  • High saturated fat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Age

Secondary Causes

  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Certain medications

Other Causes

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of high cholesterol involves:

  1. Medical history review
  2. Physical examination
  3. Blood tests including:
    • Total cholesterol
    • LDL cholesterol
    • HDL cholesterol
    • Triglycerides
    • Additional tests based on symptoms

Treatment Options

Medical Treatments

  • Statins
  • Other cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Diabetes management
  • Regular monitoring

Lifestyle Changes

  • Heart-healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Weight management
  • Smoking cessation
  • Stress reduction

Supportive Care

  • Nutritional counseling
  • Exercise programs
  • Regular monitoring
  • Support groups
  • Education

Potential Complications

Short-term Effects

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Poor circulation
  • Headaches

Long-term Effects

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Kidney disease

Prevention

Medical Prevention

  • Regular cholesterol screening
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Diabetes management
  • Medication review

Lifestyle Prevention

  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Weight management
  • Stress management
  • Smoking cessation

When to See a Doctor

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Risk factors for high cholesterol

Additional Resources