Cholesterol is like a double-edged sword, containing both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types. When this balance is disrupted, it can harm your health, leading to complications. Accumulation of bad cholesterol in blood vessels and tissues can affect various organs. It can affect heart, brain, and peripheral blood vessels, and, most seriously, heart issues like ischemic heart disease, angina, and chest pain.

What is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol, also called as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, occurs when the balance of cholesterol in the body is disrupted, causing levels to rise above normal. This leads to its accumulation in the blood vessels, restricting blood flow and potentially causing serious complications by affecting the supply of blood to vital organs.

What Causes High Cholesterol

  • Genetics: Family history and genetic predisposition can play a role.
  • Unhealthy Lifestyle: Diets high in unhealthy fats and a lack of exercise.
  • Liver Conditions: Certain liver disorders can affect cholesterol levels.
  • Kidney Conditions: Certain kidney disorders, like nephrotic syndrome, can affect cholesterol levels.
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): This hormonal condition can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
  • Other Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high stress, and the use of glucocorticoid medications.

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Signs and Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Cholesterol typically doesn’t show symptoms until it has progressed, and any symptoms that do appear are usually due to complications.
Here are some signs to watch for:

  • Skin: Yellowish deposits may form around the eyes, or at the back of the heel-leg junction, and sometimes in other areas.
  • Eyes: If vision problems occur, an ophthalmologist may detect damage caused by high cholesterol during a fundoscopy and refer you to an internal medicine specialist.
  • Complications: High cholesterol can lead to conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), where walking becomes difficult (e.g., trouble walking three blocks without taking breaks), heart attack, or stroke (medical emergency due to vessel blockages in the brain).

Diagnosing High Cholesterol

Diagnosing high cholesterol is straightforward. If the doctor suspects high cholesterol based on your medical and family history, they will likely request a lipid profile. This test measures the cholesterol levels in your blood.
In some cases, the doctor may also order additional tests, such as a hormonal profile, liver function test, or kidney function test, to identify any underlying conditions contributing to high cholesterol.

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What is the best exercise for high cholesterol?

Exercise helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Activities like walking, running, cycling, and swimming are effective in managing high cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a low-fat diet.

Diet for High Cholesterol

A healthy diet for managing high cholesterol is the same as a balanced, heart-healthy diet:

  • Balance your meals with appropriate portions of fruits, vegetables, dairy (or dairy alternatives), whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Avoid saturated and trans fats, such as full-fat milk, creamy cheeses, heavy cream, poultry with skin, fried foods, fast foods, and processed foods.
  • Increase fiber intake by adding more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes to your meals.

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High Cholesterol Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the extent of damage caused by high cholesterol:

  • Lifestyle Modifications: Adopt a healthier diet, increase physical activity, and engage in exercises such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming.
  • Medications: Drugs can help lower elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Advanced Cases: If complications have developed, procedures like stenting may be necessary to treat blockages in blood vessels.

When should I see a specialist for High Cholesterol?

  • Annual Check-ups: If you’re over 30, it’s important to have regular check-ups to catch potential health issues early.
  • Family History: If you have a family history of elevated cholesterol, or if a close family member had a heart attack at a young age (before 50), it’s advised to seek professional guidance.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle & Poor Diet: If your lifestyle is mostly sedentary and your diet is high in fats, consider seeing a specialist to assess your risk of high cholesterol.
  • Yellow Deposits on Skin: If you notice yellow deposits around your eyes, fingers, or in areas like the armpits or groin, it’s time to consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Chronic Conditions: If you’ve already been diagnosed with hypertension, stroke, heart attack, or diabetes, follow up with your doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment and monitor your overall health.

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Why Choose Reem Hospital for High Cholesterol Treatment?

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we offer advanced treatments for high cholesterol, prioritizing your well-being. Our experienced cardiologists and internal medicine specialists work together to provide precise, effective care tailored to address your cholesterol issues and any potential complications.

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Written By
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy

Medical Content Writer

Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Iman Esmat

Specialist Cardiology

Dr. Iman Esmat is a Specialist Cardiology at Reem Hospital, specializing in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. She is also an expert in performing echocardiograms for...

Meet Our Cardiologist

Dr. Iman Esmat

Cardiology
Specialist Cardiology
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4.5/5
1813+ reviews

Receptionist is accommodating.

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January 20, 2025

Good service and nice facilities🥰

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January 20, 2025

The best hospital

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January 20, 2025

I had an IFHAS check-up at Reem Hospital, and it was an excellent experience. They assigned a dedicated coordinator ( Hunais )who stayed with me all day, efficiently organizing my... see more

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January 20, 2025

I recently visited this hospital, very kind employees especially receptionist, nice atmosphere. I relaxed waiting area without any disturbance. Thanks reem hospital for your incredible hospitality👌

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January 20, 2025

مستشفى جميل و نظيف ماشاءالله، و رعايتهم بالمريض عالية

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January 20, 2025

very good hospital

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Everything you can wish for in a hospital 🫰

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January 20, 2025

Ahmad sir is good behaviour and very good personality.he is very good dealing.😊

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Ahmed is good person. He very accomodating.

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January 20, 2025

Amazing Moment here in the Reem Hospital the staff very accommodating ❤️❤️🥰

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Thank you Ahmad Shaban

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best hospitality, care and support. Specially, front Desk Mr. Ahmed shaban, very supportive guy! Hats off.

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Very nice hospital

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Good hospital

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All staffs are perfect

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All doctors are good in hospital

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Excellent services

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Good hospital

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Very nice hospital and services are incredible , especially the Department of Gastroenterology.

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January 14, 2025

Excellent services

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January 14, 2025

الحمد لله علي التعافي ورحلة العلاج اولا هذا من فضل ربي ثم مجهودات القائمين علي المستشفي والعياده الدكتور احمد عبدالفتاح بيومي نوفل وطبعا مينفعش انسي الممرضين ولا الاستقبال الاستاذه كريمه علي... see more

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Abdelrahman Gewaly Avatar Abdelrahman Gewaly
January 14, 2025

Very good hospital. Cardiology department is exceptionally good, very attentive staff. Special thanks to Merit, she explained everything in detail when I made an appointment over the phone and... see more

Elina Avatar Elina
January 13, 2025

Thank Iman for the good guidance during my medical check up.

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January 13, 2025

We recently had our son admitted to this hospital, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received. The staff was exceptional, but we especially want to... see more

Reynard Asis Avatar Reynard Asis
January 12, 2025

Awesome hospital with excellent doctors

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January 10, 2025

Good services with all staffs are perfect

Maaz Khan Avatar Maaz Khan
January 10, 2025

Best ENT doctor ever

Mohammed Alketbi Avatar Mohammed Alketbi
January 10, 2025

The front desk staff was very helpful and accommodating. Mr Merit and Ms Niran was ready to assist you with all your concerns. I am very happy to meet them.

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January 10, 2025

Good service

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January 9, 2025

Dr.Danya Bushwereb (the Consultant family medicine) is so professional and helpful,she helped me a lot during my treatment journey.Thank you Dr.Danya and Reem hospital,we hope to see more doctors like... see more

Riham Jarrar Avatar Riham Jarrar
January 9, 2025

Dra Mavarish - podologist Very professional and competent Came to call me herself at the reception Excelent work

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January 8, 2025

Eiman was amazing and very helpful during my elite medical check up and everything was prompt. Highly recommend to come in the morning as it’s less crowded and reach out... see more

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January 8, 2025

شكرا دكتور احمد نوفل و الطاقم كاملا لنجاح عملية ابنتي اللحمية وشفط سوائل الأذن بامتياز حيث لم تعاني من اي الآلام بعد العمليه وهي في عمر السنتين وبضعة أشهر بارك الله... see more

Marym Rihan Avatar Marym Rihan
January 8, 2025

Went for an Executive Health Check, really excellent service, all of the doctors were faultless, knowledgeable and excellent Being guided round the hospital to each appointment made the entire... see more

Ben Fryer Avatar Ben Fryer
January 8, 2025

I had a fantastic experience with the hospital's Orthopedic and Physiotherapy departments, specifically Dr. Farid Guirguis and Mr. Dilshad in PT.

Sherif Hashem Avatar Sherif Hashem
January 8, 2025

Excellent experience, professional full health check undertaken quickly and with excellent customer service.

Ian Smith Avatar Ian Smith
January 8, 2025

Signed up for the premier executive package and everything went smooth with the help from Ms Manar. Highly recommended.

G.S. Lai Avatar G.S. Lai
January 1, 2025

Ms. Meritb assisted me for my whole body checkup and was very supportive. It was good experience.

abhishek lone Avatar abhishek lone
January 1, 2025

I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my husband are very blessed to have Dr. Salwa El-Taher as our OB-Gyne. Its our first pregnancy and... see more

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January 1, 2025

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