کولیسٹرول خون میں موجود ایک قسم کی چکنائی ہے جو جسم کے لیے کچھ حد تک ضروری ہوتی ہے، لیکن اس کی زیادہ مقدار صحت کے لیے نقصان دہ ثابت ہو سکتی ہے۔ یہ شریانوں میں جم کر دل اور دماغ کو خون کی روانی روکنے کا سبب بن سکتی ہے، جس سے دل کا دورہ یا فالج جیسے سنگین مسائل پیدا ہو سکتے ہیں۔ متوازن غذا، باقاعدہ ورزش اور وزن پر قابو رکھ کر کولیسٹرول کی سطح کو بہتر بنایا جا سکتا ہے۔
Family Medicine, General Physician, Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS , MCPS (Family Medicine)
General Physician, Internal Medicine Specialist
BSc, MBBS, PSIM,MD Medicine
Pulmonologist / Lung Specialist, General Physician, Diabetologist
MBBS, DTCD (T.B and Chest Diseases), MCPS (T.B and Chest Diseases), FCCP (USA)
Endocrinologist, Diabetologist
MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), Fellow in Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Cardiologist
MBBS , Diploma in Cardiology , Diploma in Public Health
Internal Medicine Specialist, General Physician, Pulmonologist / Lung Specialist, Diabetologist, Family Medicine
MBBS, MD (Medicine), MD (Pulmonology), FACP (USA)
Cholesterol meaning in Urdu is "کولیسٹرول". It is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells, hormones, and vitamin D, but too much of it can build up in your blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol is carried through the blood by two main types of lipoproteins: LDL (low-density lipoprotein, also called "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein, also called "good" cholesterol).
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, which is why a blood test is the only way to know your levels. It is common in Pakistan, where heart disease is one of the leading causes of death.
High cholesterol itself rarely causes symptoms, which is why it is mostly called a silent condition. Most people only find out through a blood test. However, very high levels or related complications can show some signs, including:
Seek a doctor's help immediately if you notice:
Cholesterol levels rise due to a mix of lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors. Common causes include:
You may be more likely to have high cholesterol if you:
To reduce your chances of developing high cholesterol:
Cholesterol is classified based on the type of lipoprotein that carries it and the overall pattern of fats in the blood. The main types include:
LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), carries cholesterol from the liver to the body's cells. High levels of LDL cause cholesterol to build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing them and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
HDL Cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is removed from the body. Higher HDL levels are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Very low-density lipoprotein mainly carries triglycerides in the blood. High VLDL levels are also linked with plaque build-up in the arteries.
These are a separate type of fat in the blood. High triglycerides along with high LDL or low HDL increase the risk of heart disease.
It’s a genetic condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol from a young age. People with this type are at much higher risk of early heart disease, even with a healthy lifestyle.
Doctors diagnose high cholesterol with a simple blood test and an overall heart-risk check. Common methods include:
Treatment focuses on lowering LDL, raising HDL, and reducing the overall risk of heart disease. It usually combines lifestyle changes with medicine when needed.
(Always taken under a doctor's supervision)
If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems:
High cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease in Pakistan, and the best way to manage it is with the help of an expert. Marham connects you with trusted, verified, and experienced cardiologists, endocrinologists, and general physicians who can guide you through testing, lifestyle planning, and treatment. Book an appointment with the best diabetologist through Marham today!
Marham shares expert-reviewed information to support your health journey. The information on this page is only to guide and inform you. For any personal advice, it’s always best to check with a medical professional.
High cholesterol usually has no clear warning signs and is often called a silent condition. Some people notice chest pain, leg pain while walking, or fatty deposits on the skin or eyelids, but these only appear after years of high levels. A simple blood test is the only reliable way to know your numbers.
Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats such as deep-fried items, fast food, biscuits, pastries, full-fat dairy, organ meats, and processed meats. Limit ghee, butter, and red meat. Choose whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, and lean protein instead.
Yes, in many cases lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and quitting smoking can significantly lower cholesterol. Some people may still need medicine, especially if the cause is genetic.
Adults should generally start cholesterol checks by age 20 and continue every 4 to 6 years if levels are normal. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of heart disease, your doctor may advise more frequent testing from an earlier age.
Yes, high cholesterol is very common in Pakistan and contributes to the country's high rate of heart disease. Diet, low physical activity, and high rates of diabetes all add to the risk, so regular screening is strongly recommended.
Not always. Some people can control cholesterol with lifestyle changes alone. Others, especially those with very high levels, diabetes, or heart disease, may need long-term medicine. Only your doctor can decide what is right for you based on your blood tests and overall heart risk.
Yes, even children, teenagers, and young adults can have high cholesterol, especially if there is a family history or an unhealthy lifestyle. Familial hypercholesterolemia in particular causes very high cholesterol from a young age.