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Conditions
HighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)
Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Usually has no symptoms and is detected through blood tests.
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From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
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Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofHighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Usually no symptoms (detected by blood test)
Very high levels: xanthomata (fatty deposits under skin)
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: tendon xanthomata, corneal arcus
Complications: chest pain, leg pain (peripheral vascular disease)
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Prescription renewals for cholesterol medication (statins, ezetimibe)
- Discussion of treatment options and side effects
- Review of lipid panel results
- Medical certificates if needed
- Referral for further cardiovascular assessment
What needs in-person care
- Initial cardiovascular risk assessment (requires comprehensive in-person workup)
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia genetic testing
- Coronary angiography or imaging
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Cholesterol found to be elevated on blood test
- 2Family history of early heart disease or high cholesterol
- 3You need a medication review or prescription renewal
- 4You want to discuss statin therapy benefits and risks
- 5You need monitoring blood tests discussed
Seek emergency care if
- Chest pain or pressure (possible heart attack)
- Sudden weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop (possible stroke)
- Severe leg pain with cold, pale foot (acute limb ischaemia)
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonHighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-04
The conversation about cholesterol has evolved significantly. We no longer focus solely on the cholesterol number -- the critical question is your overall cardiovascular risk. Two people with the same cholesterol level may have very different treatment recommendations based on their age, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, kidney function, and family history. The absolute cardiovascular risk calculator (used in Australian guidelines) determines whether lifestyle alone is appropriate or whether statin therapy is warranted. Statins remain one of the most evidence-based medications in all of medicine -- the data from large randomised trials is overwhelming. However, I also see many patients who are prescribed statins when lifestyle modification alone would be sufficient, and others who refuse statins based on misinformation about side effects. Muscle aches occur in a minority of patients and almost always resolve with dose adjustment or switching to a different statin.
Treatment
TreatingHighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)
Statin therapy is the cornerstone of pharmacological cholesterol management. The decision to start a statin is based on absolute cardiovascular risk, not cholesterol level alone. For high-risk patients, the target LDL is <2.0 mmol/L or a 50% reduction from baseline. Lifestyle modification is recommended for all patients, regardless of medication use.
Atorvastatin
Lipitor
Class:HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Typical dose:10-80mg once daily (usually start 20mg for moderate risk, 40mg for high risk)
PBS:PBS listed for hypercholesterolaemia based on cardiovascular risk
- Most commonly prescribed statin in Australia
- High-intensity statin -- reduces LDL by 40-55% depending on dose
- Can be taken at any time of day (long half-life)
- Muscle aches affect 5-10% of patients -- usually resolve with dose adjustment
Rosuvastatin
Crestor
Class:HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
Typical dose:5-40mg once daily (start 10mg for most patients)
PBS:PBS listed for hypercholesterolaemia based on cardiovascular risk
- Most potent statin -- greater LDL reduction per milligram than atorvastatin
- Good option when higher LDL reduction is needed at lower doses
- Can be taken at any time of day
- Start at 5mg in patients of Asian descent (higher blood levels)
Ezetimibe
Ezetrol
Class:Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Typical dose:10mg once daily
PBS:PBS listed as add-on to statin therapy when LDL target not achieved
- Reduces LDL by an additional 15-20% when added to a statin
- Works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the gut (different mechanism to statins)
- Good option for patients who cannot tolerate higher statin doses
- Very well tolerated with minimal side effects
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Cardiovascular, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a lipid specialist or cardiologist is recommended for familial hypercholesterolaemia (very high LDL, family history of early heart disease), statin intolerance (unable to tolerate 2 or more statins), or failure to reach LDL target despite maximum tolerated therapy.
High Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia) in Australia
Approximately 7.1 million Australians have high cholesterol (1 in 3 adults over 18)
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for 25% of all deaths
Only 46% of Australians with high cholesterol are currently taking lipid-lowering medication
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication class in Australia
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
High cholesterol is a chronic condition. Statins begin lowering cholesterol within 1-2 weeks, with full effect at 4-6 weeks. Lifestyle changes produce measurable improvements within 3-6 months. A repeat lipid panel is recommended 6-8 weeks after starting or changing treatment.
Return to work
High cholesterol does not affect ability to work. If starting a statin, muscle aches (if they occur) usually appear within the first 4-8 weeks. Most side effects are mild and do not prevent normal activities.
When to reassess
Follow-up lipid panel 6-8 weeks after starting or changing medication. Annual lipid panel and cardiovascular risk assessment once stable. See a doctor if you develop unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine while on a statin.
Self-Care
ManagingHighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
The Mediterranean diet is the best-studied dietary pattern for cardiovascular protection -- olive oil, fish, vegetables, legumes, nuts
Soluble fibre (oats, barley, legumes, psyllium) can reduce LDL cholesterol by 5-10%
Plant sterols/stanols (found in enriched margarine and supplements) can reduce LDL by 10%
Regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes, 5 days per week) raises HDL and reduces triglycerides
Quit smoking -- it is the single most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor
Limit alcohol to reduce triglycerides and overall cardiovascular risk
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutHighCholesterol(Dyslipidaemia)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Desirable total cholesterol is below 5.5 mmol/L. LDL ('bad') cholesterol target depends on your overall cardiovascular risk: <2.0 mmol/L for high-risk patients, <3.0 mmol/L for moderate risk. HDL ('good') cholesterol above 1.0 mmol/L is protective.
The decision depends on your overall cardiovascular risk, not just your cholesterol number. Statins have robust evidence for reducing heart attacks and strokes in people at moderate-to-high risk. Your doctor will assess your absolute risk using factors like age, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
The most commonly reported side effect is muscle aches, affecting 5-10% of patients. Most muscle symptoms resolve with dose adjustment or switching to a different statin. Serious side effects (rhabdomyolysis) are extremely rare. The cardiovascular benefits outweigh risks for most patients.
Diet and exercise can reduce LDL cholesterol by 10-15%. The Portfolio diet (plant sterols, soy protein, soluble fibre, almonds) can achieve 20-30% reduction. However, if your cardiovascular risk is high, medication is usually still recommended alongside lifestyle changes.
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Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
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