Feeling Tired or Short of Breath? Could It Be Your Cholesterol?

Could Your Everyday Symptoms Be Linked to High Cholesterol?

Do you ever feel fatigued, short of breath, or experience chest discomfort after moderate activity? Many people attribute these symptoms to busy lifestyles, stress, or ageing. However, they might be early signs that your cholesterol levels are elevated—a significant risk factor for heart and cardiovascular disease.

What Are the Hidden Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol often develops quietly, with few clear symptoms. Sometimes, you may notice:

• Unexplained tiredness or weakness
• Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially during exercise
• Leg pain while walking (a sign of peripheral artery disease)
• Yellowish bumps on the skin (xanthomas, rare)

Catching high cholesterol early is crucial for protecting your heart and blood vessels.

Because symptoms are often non-specific, NHS guidance recommends routine cholesterol screening—especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Understanding Cholesterol: The Basics

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs to function. However, too much of certain types can clog arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The key measures in a lipid profile are:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL (good) cholesterol
• LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Home cholesterol testing makes it easy to know your numbers from the comfort of your home.

Steps You Can Take to Lower Cholesterol

• Increase intake of fruit, vegetables and whole grains
• Reduce processed and fried foods
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days
• Avoid smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight

Even if you don’t buy a test, these lifestyle changes are proven to benefit heart health.

Take Control: Test Your Cholesterol at Mayfield Clinic

Curious about your cholesterol? At Mayfield Clinic, you can buy an At-Home Lipid Profile Blood Test Kit for UK-wide delivery or book an in-person blood test at our clinics. Our easy, finger-prick TDL Tiny kit gives you fast results in just 1 day.