According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, high levels of LDL cholesterol do not typically cause any symptoms. However, very high cholesterol levels can cause:

  • bumps on the skin, often affecting the elbows, joints, knees, hands, ankles, or buttocks
  • grayish-white rings around the cornea of the eye
  • soft, yellow papules or plaques around the eyes, most commonly appearing in the corners of the upper and lower eyelid

These symptoms usually affect those with a family history of high cholesterol, called familial hypercholesterolemia.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body uses to maintain certain bodily functions, such as making hormones and vitamin D. It consists of two main types of lipoproteins called:

  • low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol
  • high-density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called “good” cholesterol

High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health conditions, while high levels of HDL cholesterol can lower these risks.

High cholesterol levels are often due to certain lifestyle habits, such as:

  • smoking
  • consuming too much alcohol
  • stress
  • insufficient exercise
  • eating a diet high in saturated fat

Some other factors that may contribute to high cholesterol levels include:

  • medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes
  • certain medications, such as steroids that treat inflammatory conditions
  • aging
  • experiencing menopause

As high cholesterol does not typically cause symptoms, people may only discover they have the condition through routine blood tests, including a lipid panel. A lipid panel is a blood test that a doctor administers to measure a person’s cholesterol levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person can speak with a doctor about their health history and how often they might need to check their cholesterol. The CDC outlines the following guidance:

  • Adults should get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
  • Those with heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol should get more frequent cholesterol checks.
  • Children should get their cholesterol checked once between the ages of 9 and 11, and again between the ages of 17 and 21.

If a person requires treatment for high cholesterol, a doctor will take the person’s individual risk factors and overall health into consideration.

A person can make certain lifestyle changes to lower their LDL cholesterol levels or maintain their HDL cholesterol levels. However, a doctor may also prescribe medications, such as statins.

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