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High cholesterol is often called a "silent" health risk because it does not show symptoms in the early stages. Yet, it is one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular disease globally. While cholesterol is essential for normal body function, an excess of certain types, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
At Pantai Hospitals, we provide comprehensive cardiovascular services, including advanced heart screening to detect risks like high cholesterol early. Here is what you need to know about this silent condition and how to manage it.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is crucial for several bodily functions. It helps in building healthy cells, producing hormones and aiding digestion.
Cholesterol’s Role in the Body
Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for your body to operate effectively. Every cell in your body needs cholesterol for structure and function.
Sources of Cholesterol
Your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol you need. However, additional cholesterol enters your system through dietary sources, mainly animal products such as red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in packages called lipoproteins. The two most commonly known are:
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, it helps remove LDL from your bloodstream.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Dubbed "bad" cholesterol, it contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
Risks of High Cholesterol
Excess LDL leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque accumulation. This impedes blood flow and increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
What Are the Risks of High Cholesterol to Your Heart?
Uncontrolled high cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol-related damage to your arteries can begin silently and progress until a severe event occurs (American Heart Association, 2024).
Atherosclerosis: The Root Problem
When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arterial walls, it forms plaque. Over time, this plaque hardens, narrowing the arteries—a condition called atherosclerosis.
Reduced Blood Flow
Narrowed arteries restrict blood and oxygen from reaching vital organs like the heart and brain. This can result in chest pain or angina, especially during physical exertion.
Heart Attack Risk
If a plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot that blocks a coronary artery, leading to a heart attack. This often happens without warning.
Stroke
Similarly, if an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, it can lead to a stroke, which may result in permanent neurological damage or death.
Peripheral Artery Disease
High cholesterol does not just affect the heart and brain—it can also cause poor circulation in your limbs, especially the legs, leading to cramping, numbness, or even ulcers.
Routine cholesterol checks and heart screening can detect early warning signs.
What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
One of the most dangerous aspects of high cholesterol is that it typically does not cause any symptoms until it has done significant damage (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
No Early Warning Signs
Most people discover they have high cholesterol through routine blood tests—not through physical symptoms.
Conditions Triggered by High Cholesterol
While high cholesterol itself is symptomless, it raises your risk for symptomatic conditions such as:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Causes pain in the legs while walking.
- High Blood Pressure: Often coexists with high cholesterol and stresses the heart further.
- Stroke or Heart Attack: Both are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate care.
The Link with Diabetes
People with diabetes often have high LDL and low HDL cholesterol levels, increasing their cardiovascular risk significantly.
What Are the Lifestyle Changes for High Cholesterol?
Managing cholesterol effectively often involves lifestyle changes, which can significantly reduce your dependence on medication and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Make Heart-Healthy Dietary Changes
Avoid saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy. Eliminate trans fats, often present in processed snacks and fried foods. Replace them with healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and oily fish.
Increase Fibre Intake
Soluble fibre, found in oats, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, helps reduce LDL cholesterol. Adding fibre-rich foods to your meals improves digestion and supports heart health.
Embrace Plant-Based Foods
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains is beneficial for managing cholesterol and promoting overall wellness.
Reduce Added Sugars and Salt
Lowering sugar intake helps manage weight and blood sugar levels, while limiting salt intake can reduce blood pressure, a common co-condition of high cholesterol.
Stay Physically Active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can boost HDL levels and lower LDL.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight range supports balanced cholesterol levels, protects heart health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers HDL cholesterol. Quitting reverses some of the damage and supports cardiovascular health.
Limit Alcohol
Excess alcohol raises cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Stick to moderate drinking guidelines or avoid alcohol entirely if advised.
Prioritise Sleep and Stress Management
Chronic stress and poor sleep patterns can elevate cholesterol. Practise mindfulness, maintain sleep hygiene, and ensure you get 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
A simple blood test known as a lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Regular screenings are recommended, especially after age 40.
2. Can I lower cholesterol without medication?
Yes, many people reduce cholesterol through diet, exercise, and weight loss. However, if lifestyle changes are not enough, medications may be necessary.
3. Is all cholesterol bad?
No. HDL ("good" cholesterol) helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. It is the LDL and triglycerides that need to be kept in check.
4. Where can I get a heart screening in Malaysia?
Pantai Hospitals offers comprehensive heart screenings and cholesterol management programs tailored to your health needs.
Book an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
High cholesterol is often an invisible threat—but one with potentially life-altering consequences. Left unchecked, it can silently contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. The good news is that it is highly manageable with the right knowledge and support.
At Pantai Hospitals, we are committed to helping you prevent, detect, and manage heart-related conditions. With advanced heart screening, experienced cardiologists, and holistic care plans, we are here to guide you on the path to lifelong cardiovascular health.
Do not wait—book your appointment today and start your journey toward better health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. You may also book an appointment via our website or download the MyHealth360 application which can be obtained from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
References
American Heart Association. (2024, February 16). What is Cholesterol? American Heart Association. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). About Cholesterol | Cholesterol. CDC. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 24). High Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms and How It Affects the Body. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11918-cholesterol-high-cholesterol-diseases
National Health Service. (n.d.). High cholesterol - How to lower your cholesterol. NHS. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol/
