It’s not unusual to brush off a high cholesterol reading, especially if you feel fine. There are no aches, no pains, just a few numbers on a lab report. But here’s the thing: High cholesterol can quietly damage your heart over time, increasing the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
So how do you know when it’s time to take things a step further and see a heart doctor (cardiologist)? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, no scary jargon, just straight talk about your health.
What Is Cholesterol and Why Does It Matter?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs in small amounts. It helps make hormones, build cells, and digest food. But too much of the wrong kind can clog your arteries and put your heart at risk.
Here’s a quick breakdown of your cholesterol numbers:
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol): High levels can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries.
- HDL (“good” cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from your body.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat that, when raised, can also increase heart disease risk.
- Total Cholesterol: A combination of LDL, HDL, and other lipid components.
Signs It Might Be Time to See a Heart Doctor
You won’t always feel unwell when your cholesterol is high. In fact, most people feel completely normal, until they don’t. Here are some signs and situations where a referral to a cardiologist might be worth considering:
1. Your Blood Test Results Are Consistently High
If your LDL is well above 160 mg/dL (or 4.1 mmol/L), and your doctor has already recommended lifestyle changes or medication, it may be time to speak with a cardiologist, especially if your numbers aren’t improving. A heart doctor can assess whether more tailored treatment is needed and check for any signs of heart strain.
2. You Have a Family History of Heart Disease
If a parent or sibling had a heart attack or needed bypass surgery before the age of 55 (for men) or 65 (for women), you may carry a genetic risk for heart disease, even if your cholesterol isn’t extremely high yet. Seeing a cardiologist early could help prevent problems down the line.
3. You Have Other Risk Factors
Cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle. If you also have:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoke or have smoked in the past
- Sedentary lifestyle
…these add up and increase your chances of developing heart disease. A cardiologist can help you understand your overall risk and create a plan to manage it.
4. You’ve Already Had a Heart Event or Procedure
If you’ve had chest pain, a heart attack, or even a stent or bypass in the past, managing cholesterol becomes even more important. Cardiologists often play a key role in secondary prevention, making sure you stay on track and avoid another event.
5. You’re Experiencing Subtle Symptoms
Sometimes, high cholesterol can lead to subtle signs of heart trouble. These include:
- Shortness of breath when climbing stairs
- Fatigue that seems out of the ordinary
- Chest discomfort or tightness (especially with activity)
- Dizziness or fainting spells
If you’re noticing changes like these, don’t wait. Even if they seem minor, they could be early signs of a heart problem.
What to Expect at Your Cardiologist Appointment
A heart doctor may order tests like:
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) – to check how well your heart is pumping
- Stress test – to see how your heart handles exercise
- Coronary calcium score – to measure plaque build-up in your arteries
- Blood tests – to monitor cholesterol, sugar levels, and inflammation
They’ll use this information to figure out your risk and recommend steps like medication, lifestyle changes, or regular monitoring.
Your Next Step: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
At The Heart Doctors Clinic, we see many patients who wish they’d come in sooner. If you have high cholesterol, especially alongside other risk factors or a family history, it’s worth having a chat with a cardiologist. You don’t have to wait until something serious happens.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Book an appointment with us to review your cholesterol and overall heart health.
- Bring your recent blood test results so we can assess your risk.
- Start taking small steps because every step counts when it comes to protecting your heart.
Heart disease doesn’t always show up with loud warnings. Sometimes, it’s the quiet numbers on a lab report that tell the real story. Let’s get ahead of it, together.
