High Cholesterol

High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, occurs when you have high levels of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This condition may have no symptoms until severe heart disease develops. Cholesterol, produced by the liver, is essential for making hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid digestion. High cholesterol can lead to artery-clogging plaque. Diagnosis is through a lipid panel blood test. Management includes lifestyle changes and possibly medications like statins to lower risk.