High Cholesterol

You can buy high cholesterol medication through Mail My Meds by completing a simple online diagnostic consultation that is reviewed by our UK-based clinicians. Once your suitability is confirmed, your prescription is fulfilled and shipped directly to your door from our registered pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560). This process ensures you receive genuine NHS or private medication with the convenience of home delivery and professional oversight.

High cholesterol is a condition where you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood, which can lead to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. While cholesterol is essential for building healthy cells, an excess of non-HDL (bad) cholesterol contributes to plaque build-up in the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. This increases the likelihood of serious health events like heart attacks or strokes if left unmanaged.

High cholesterol is extremely common in the UK. Despite its high prevalence, many people remain unaware they have the condition because it rarely presents noticeable symptoms. The NHS Health Check programme aims to screen adults aged 40 to 74 every five years to identify and manage this widespread risk factor early.

High cholesterol is primarily caused by lifestyle factors such as a diet high in saturated fats, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. However, it can also be triggered by underlying medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, or an underactive thyroid. Some individuals also have a genetic predisposition known as Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which causes high cholesterol levels from birth regardless of lifestyle choices.

The primary treatments for high cholesterol include statins, which reduce the liver's production of cholesterol, and ezetimibe, which limits the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from food. Treatment plans are often categorised based on their effectiveness and mechanism of action:

Statins remain the most popular and widely prescribed treatment in the UK due to their proven ability to reduce cardiovascular mortality. Specifically, Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin are frequently selected as first-line therapies because they are highly effective "high-intensity" statins. For patients who cannot tolerate statins, Ezetimibe 10mg tablets are the most common alternative or supplementary medication.

While most people tolerate cholesterol medication well, common side effects can include muscle aches, digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea, and occasionally a slight increase in blood sugar. Serious side effects are rare, however, clinical guidelines from NICE suggest that most reported "statin intolerance" is not due to the drug itself. If you experience persistent muscle pain or weakness, you should contact your clinician to discuss a dose adjustment or a switch to a different medication.

Most users describe high cholesterol as a "silent" condition because it typically has no physical signs until a cardiovascular event occurs. Patients often share that their diagnosis came as a surprise during a routine NHS blood test. Those who start treatment frequently report a sense of reassurance and "peace of mind" once their follow-up tests show their numbers are back within a healthy range, such as a total cholesterol level below 5.0mmol/L.

Cholesterol treatments are suitable for adults whose 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke is calculated at 10% or higher using the QRISK3 tool. They are also recommended for individuals with existing cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. Your suitability will be determined by a healthcare professional based on your blood test results, age, weight and family medical history.

You should inform your prescriber if you have a history of liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or consume large amounts of grapefruit juice, as these can interact with certain statins. It is also vital to disclose any other medications you are taking, particularly certain antibiotics or antifungals, to avoid adverse drug interactions. Regular liver function tests (LFTs) are usually required within the first year of starting treatment to ensure your body is responding safely.

You should see a doctor if your total cholesterol is consistently above 5.0mmol/L or if you notice physical signs like yellow bumps around your eyes (xanthelasma) or knuckles. While high cholesterol is usually symptomless, these physical markers can indicate very high levels or genetic conditions like Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Additionally, if you experience sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Key risk factors for high cholesterol include a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in ultra-processed foods, and carrying excess weight around your middle. To lower your risk, focus on a "cardioprotective" diet:

• Eat more: Oily fish, oats, nuts, seeds, and plenty of fibre.
• Eat less: Red meat, butter, palm oil, and sugary snacks.
• Stay active: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

To start treatment, you first need a recent blood test to confirm your lipid profile, after which you can consult with a Mail My Meds clinician online. We will review your cholesterol numbers alongside your medical history to ensure the prescribed medication is safe and effective for you. Once approved, we provide clear instructions on how to take your tablets—usually once daily in the evening for maximum efficacy.

Non-medical treatments focus on "therapeutic lifestyle changes", which include increasing soluble fibre intake and using foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols. Stopping smoking is one of the most effective non-medical interventions, as smoking damages the walls of your arteries and makes it easier for cholesterol to stick to them. While these changes can significantly lower your numbers, many patients will still require medication to reach their healthy target levels.

My cholesterol is 7.1, is that high?

Yes, a total cholesterol level of 7.1mmol/L is considered high in the UK, where the general healthy target is below 5.0mmol/L. You should consult a healthcare professional to assess your overall cardiovascular risk.

Can stress cause high cholesterol?

Yes, chronic stress can indirectly contribute to high cholesterol by triggering the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which may increase triglyceride production and lead to unhealthy coping habits like poor diet or increased alcohol consumption.

Are prawns high in cholesterol?

Prawns are high in dietary cholesterol, but for most people, the saturated fat in food has a much bigger impact on blood cholesterol levels than the cholesterol found in shellfish or eggs.

Can high cholesterol make you tired?

High cholesterol itself does not typically cause tiredness. However, the complications of high cholesterol, such as narrowed arteries or heart disease, can lead to reduced blood flow and feelings of fatigue.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not replace seeking advice from a medical professional for personalised diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your GP or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or change in your treatment plan.

Our content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts to ensure it remains up to date, accurate, and aligned with the latest clinical guidelines from the NHS, NICE, and the British National Formulary (BNF).