High cholesterol despite healthy diet

Overview

High cholesterol despite maintaining a healthy diet is a condition where blood cholesterol levels remain elevated even when following nutritional guidelines and eating low-cholesterol foods. This symptom may indicate genetic factors, underlying health conditions, or metabolic issues that prevent the body from properly regulating cholesterol levels through diet alone.

Common Causes

High cholesterol can persist despite a healthy diet due to genetic factors, as some people naturally produce more cholesterol in their liver regardless of what they eat. Age and hormones also play a role, with cholesterol levels typically rising as we get older and during menopause in women. Certain medications, underlying health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, and high stress levels can also contribute to elevated cholesterol levels even when following a nutritious eating plan.

Severity Levels

Mild: You may notice slightly elevated cholesterol readings on routine blood tests while maintaining good dietary habits. Your doctor might recommend continued monitoring and minor lifestyle adjustments before considering medication.

Moderate: Blood tests show consistently high cholesterol levels despite following a heart-healthy diet for several months. Your healthcare provider will likely discuss medication options and may investigate underlying causes or genetic factors.

Severe: Cholesterol levels remain dangerously high even with strict dietary management, potentially indicating familial hypercholesterolemia or other serious conditions. Immediate medical intervention with prescription medications is typically necessary to prevent cardiovascular complications.

Medical Attention

Seek medical attention if your cholesterol levels remain high despite following a heart-healthy diet for several months. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, as genetic factors may require medical intervention. Schedule an appointment if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiovascular symptoms alongside elevated cholesterol readings. It's also important to consult a doctor if you're taking cholesterol-lowering medications but still seeing high numbers on your lab results.

4k+ Collection Centres

90k+ Biomarkers Tested

Early Detection