06/06/2026
High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol."
Over time, it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
High cholesterol is diagnosed with a lipid profile (lipid panel) blood test, which measures:
▪︎ Total cholesterol
▪︎ LDL (bad cholesterol)
▪︎ HDL (good cholesterol)
▪︎ Triglycerides
Factors that can cause people to develop high cholesterol include:
▪︎ Diet high in saturated and trans fats
▪︎ Obesity or overweight
▪︎ Physical inactivity
▪︎ Smoking
▪︎ Excessive alcohol consumption
▪︎ Diabetes
▪︎ Hypothyroidism
▪︎ Kidney disease
▪︎ Liver disease
▪︎ Family history (genetic factors)
High cholesterol is often called a silent conditions because it rarely causes direct symptoms, until it causes complications.
Factors that can put one at risk of having high cholesterol include:
▪︎ Age (risk increases with age)
▪︎ Family history of high cholesterol
▪︎ High blood pressure
▪︎ Diabetes
▪︎ Smoking
▪︎ Obesity
▪︎ Sedentary lifestyle
High cholesterol can lead to complications such as:
coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, even sudden death, if not properly managed.
At De-peoples Pharmacy, your health is our priority.
Visit us for cholesterol screening, expert advice, and quality healthcare products to support your journey to better heart health.
