Hypercholesterolaemia and Lipid Management

Being an athlete does not exclude significant hypercholesterolaemia, and a fit person with a high cholesterol does not simply need more exercise.

Training improves the lipid profile modestly, mainly by raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, but it has limited effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and none on the defect in inherited disorders. A markedly raised cholesterol in a young, lean, highly trained athlete should raise suspicion of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), not reassurance.

Statins reduce major cardiovascular events, and being an athlete does not change that.

This page covers assessment and treatment under current UK guidance, recognising FH, and statin muscle symptoms in people who train hard.