High cholesterol :
High cholesterol level diagnosed in the body is medically termed as hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Components of cholesterol levels are total cholesterol, low density and high density lipoprotein levels, and triglycerides. High cholesterol is a condition in which the cholesterol levels exceed the normal ranges of these individual components. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, uncontrollable stress, genetic history, smoking and aging play important roles in the elevation of cholesterol levels. A general physician evaluates the symptoms and conducts an investigatory lipid panel to rule out the severity of hyperlipidemia. Conservative medical management with statin therapy, counseling of lifestyle modifications including healthy dietary changes, restriction of smoking or alcohol consumption, and daily physical activity regimen are recommended for the reversal of the condition. If left untreated, high cholesterol levels can significantly affect heart and blood vessels causing deadly diseases such as stroke or coronary arterial stenosis.