Cardiologist Dr Paul Ong | Heart Clinic > Articles > Don’t Ignore the Link Between Cholesterol and Your Heart!

Don’t Ignore the Link Between Cholesterol and Your Heart!

Key Takeaways:

High cholesterol often causes no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to blockages.
Regular cholesterol checks and lifestyle changes are essential for early detection and prevention.

When it comes to heart health, cholesterol is often the quiet culprit working behind the scenes. You can feel perfectly fine and still have dangerously high cholesterol levels silently causing damage.

What Is Cholesterol, and Why Does It Matter?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. Your body needs it to build cells and produce certain hormones. But too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—often labelled as “bad cholesterol” can gradually build up in your arteries.

This buildup forms plaques that narrow or stiffen your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Over time, these plaques can reduce or block blood flow to the heart and brain, leading to serious events like:

Heart attack – when blood flow to part of the heart is cut off
Stroke – when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted

The Trouble Is: You May Not Feel It Coming

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it until they experience a heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s often called a “silent risk factor.”

The only way to know your cholesterol levels is through a blood test.

Who’s at Risk?

Several factors can increase your risk of high cholesterol:

A diet high in saturated or trans fats (animal fat, coconut and palm oil)
A sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Excess weight or obesity
Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
Diabetes or other chronic conditions

Even if you eat well and exercise, genetics can still play a major role—making regular screening all the more important.

How It Affects the Heart

When cholesterol-rich plaques form inside your arteries, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed space. This can lead to:

Chest pain or angina due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart
Clot formation, which can block a blood vessel entirely
Heart muscle damage after a heart attack

Over time, untreated high cholesterol increases your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.

The Good News: It’s Manageable

High cholesterol can be detected early and managed effectively with the right approach. This may include:

Dietary adjustments (reducing saturated fat and increasing fibre)
Regular physical activity
Medication (such as statins), if recommended by your doctor
Ongoing cholesterol and heart health monitoring

When Should You Get Checked?

You should consider a cholesterol check if:

You’re aged 40 and above
You have a family history of heart disease
You have other risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or are a smoker
You haven’t had a screening in the past few years

Take Action for a Healthier Heart

At Heart Specialist International, we offer heart screening services that include cholesterol testing, cardiac risk assessment, and consultation with a cardiologist. Early detection can make a significant difference in your long-term health.