High Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in our blood. Our bodies need it to work properly. It helps them make hormones and vitamin D and digest food. Too much of it, however, can be dangerous. It can lead to fatty buildup in your arteries, making it hard for blood to flow freely. This can cause serious problems such as heart disease and stroke.

To keep your cholesterol in check, you should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get regular check-ups with your doctor.

What are the risks of high cholesterol?

Too much cholesterol can cause fatty buildup in your arteries. This makes them narrower and can lead to heart disease or stroke. It can also cause blood clots, which increase such risks. To lower your risk of heart problems, you should keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and take steps to lower them if they are too high.

Can I buy cholesterol medication online?

You can order cholesterol medication through our UK regulated online pharmacy and clinic service. Complete the online medical test before you do this. One of our prescribers will check your responses. If approved, our pharmacy team will post the medicine to you in discreet packaging for quick delivery.

How can you lower your cholesterol?

Cholesterol occurs in all parts of the body. Too much LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol can cause major health issues such as stroke and heart disease. So, how can you lower it?

• Take cholesterol-lowering medicines.

• Eat a healthy diet, exercise, quit smoking and manage your weight.

• Eat fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Exercise also helps lower bad cholesterol by increasing HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol. These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of problems and keep you healthy.

What different cholesterol treatment options are there?

There are various ways to manage your cholesterol. These include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising.

• Medicines, often statins. You can also take medicine that traps bile acids or that stops your intestines from absorbing cholesterol from food.

Talk to a healthcare expert to find the best choice for you.

Is it safe to take cholesterol treatment?

Cholesterol treatments are safe and effective. Many researchers have looked at medicines such as statins, and doctors worldwide prescribe them.

As with any medicine, you should talk to your doctor about possible side effects and any other medicines you take. For most people, though, it is safe to take these medicines with a doctor’s advice. Controlling ‘bad’ cholesterol levels in the blood can greatly reduce your risk of dangerous heart problems.

What are the side effects of cholesterol treatment?

Common side effects of cholesterol treatment include:

• Muscle pain and weakness

• Digestive issues, such as constipation and nausea

• Headaches

More severe side effects, such as kidney failure and liver damage, are rare but can occur. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have and see how your body responds to treatment. Balancing the benefits and risks of cholesterol-lowering medicines can help you make the best decisions about your health.

What are the common symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol causes fatty buildup in your blood vessels. This can limit blood flow and increase your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol does not always have symptoms, so you should get screened regularly. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain, especially during physical activity

• Shortness of breath

• Tingling or numbness in limbs

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help straight away. To prevent high cholesterol in the first place, eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking and heavy drinking. These changes lower your risk of developing high cholesterol and also improve your general health.

What natural remedies are there to reduce my cholesterol?

There are several natural ways you can reduce your cholesterol levels and promote heart health. These include:

• Eating fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes

• Eating healthy fats (found in foods such as avocados and nuts)

• Exercising regularly

• Eating some types of herbs and spices, such as garlic and turmeric