Dyslipidaemia means unhealthy levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. These include LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipid measurements. High LDL cholesterol is particularly important because it contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits in artery walls over time.
Why is it easy to ignore?
Most people with abnormal cholesterol feel completely normal. There may be no pain, dizziness or other warning sign. Yet atherosclerosis can continue silently for years and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other vascular disease.
Health check-ups identify risk before symptoms
A lipid profile is a simple blood test that helps assess cholesterol and triglycerides. How often it should be checked depends on age, previous results and overall cardiovascular risk. Your doctor may also consider blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, kidney disease, family history and previous heart or vascular disease rather than looking at cholesterol in isolation.
If medicine is prescribed, take it regularly
Some people can improve their lipid profile substantially through lifestyle changes, while others need medication in addition. Statins are commonly used when the expected cardiovascular benefit is significant. If your doctor prescribes a lipid-lowering medicine, take it regularly and discuss any suspected side effect rather than stopping it without advice.
A normal follow-up cholesterol result often means the treatment is working. Whether medicine should be continued depends on your underlying risk and should be decided with your clinician.
Build a heart-friendly diet
Choose a varied diet based mainly on minimally processed foods. Include vegetables, fruits, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and appropriate protein sources. Reduce foods high in saturated and trans fats, repeated deep-fried foods, highly processed snacks and excess sugar. Portion size still matters, particularly when weight or triglycerides are high.
Exercise and weight management
Regular physical activity improves overall cardiovascular health and can help with weight, blood pressure, glucose and triglycerides. Aim for a sustainable routine—walking, cycling, swimming or another suitable activity—and reduce long periods of sitting. If you have established heart disease or significant symptoms, ask your clinician what level of exercise is safe.
Avoid tobacco. It damages blood vessels and compounds cardiovascular risk. Adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy weight are also valuable parts of prevention.
Take-home message
You cannot reliably “feel” high cholesterol. Regular health checks can identify it early. Combine a heart-healthy lifestyle with prescribed medication when indicated, and focus on long-term prevention of heart attack and stroke rather than a single laboratory report.