Coronary Heart Disease: Signs Your Cholesterol Levels Are Too High

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common form of heart disease in the United States—and a leading cause of death, claiming over 370,000 lives each year. The primary culprit? High cholesterol.

This condition develops when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Over time, it can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and even sudden cardiac death.

The good news: CHD is preventable. By managing cholesterol levels and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk.

How Is Coronary Heart Disease Treated?

Symptoms of coronary heart disease vary from person to person. Some experience angina—a type of chest pain that may feel like pressure or squeezing. Others feel fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath.

Some people, however, experience no symptoms until a heart attack occurs.

While there’s no cure for CHD, the condition can be managed through:

• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and losing weight
• Monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Regular exercise and healthy eating

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It plays an important role in making hormones, vitamin D, and building healthy cells.

There are two main types:

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “Bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in arteries
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “Good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream

Too much LDL—or too little HDL—can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol usually has no obvious symptoms. Most people don’t know they have it until they experience a serious health event, like a heart attack or stroke.

You may be at risk if you:

• Eat a diet high in saturated or trans fats
• Smoke or live a sedentary lifestyle
• Are overweight or have diabetes
• Have a family history of heart disease

If you fall into any of these categories, talk to your doctor about getting your cholesterol tested—especially if you’re over 45 or have other risk factors.

How Often Should You Check Your Cholesterol?

• Healthy adults: Every 4 to 6 years
• Those with risk factors or existing heart disease: More frequently, as recommended by your provider

A simple blood test called a lipid panel can measure your total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels.

How to Lower High Cholesterol

Improving your cholesterol starts with lifestyle changes:

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limit saturated fats, found in red meat and full-fat dairy
• Avoid trans fats and highly processed foods
• Reduce your salt and sugar intake
• Watch portion sizes and minimize alcohol

‍Get Active

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week
• Walking, swimming, or biking are great options

Ask About Medication

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend:

• Statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications
• Prescription-strength fish oil or other supplements
• A custom care plan based on your risk profile

Live Well with Coronary Heart Disease

You can still live a long and healthy life with coronary heart disease—but it takes ongoing care, lifestyle commitment, and routine checkups.

At BASS Medical Group, our team of primary care providers and cardiologists can help you:

• Understand your cholesterol numbers
• Make personalized diet and activity changes
• Choose the right treatment plan for your heart health

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