High cholesterol: what your results mean and how it is treated
High cholesterol almost never causes symptoms: the only way to know is a blood test called a lipid panel. By video, the doctor can go over your results, explain your risk, give you a lab order for your next check and, if appropriate, prescribe or refill a cholesterol medication, as long as you are physically in Puerto Rico.
Can we help by telehealth? Yes, we can help by telehealth.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw or back
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a drooping face or trouble speaking
- Sudden loss of vision, or severe dizziness with trouble walking
Help lines:
- 911 — Emergencies
- 1-800-981-0023 — Línea PAS (mental-health crisis line)
- 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- 1-800-222-1222 — Poison Help
What a lipid panel measures
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures several fats. These are the healthy values for adults 20 and older, according to MedlinePlus (NIH):
- Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL.
- LDL, the "bad" cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL. High LDL builds plaque in your arteries.
- HDL, the "good" cholesterol: higher is better; 60 mg/dL or more is best.
- Non-HDL cholesterol: less than 130 mg/dL.
- Triglycerides: another blood fat; high levels may raise your risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol symptoms: why you cannot feel it
High cholesterol has no symptoms. Plaque builds up in the arteries silently until it narrows blood flow, and then it can cause chest pain, a heart attack or a stroke. That is why it is checked with regular tests even when you feel fine.
Heart risk and goals
Your LDL number is not read on its own. The doctor looks at it together with your age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history to decide which goal is right for you.
Having high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes as well raises the risk, so it makes sense to follow up all three together.
Lifestyle and medication
Eating less cholesterol and saturated fat, being more active, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking all help lower cholesterol and heart risk.
When medication is needed, statins are the most commonly used group; other groups exist for specific situations. If appropriate, the doctor can prescribe medication. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
How often cholesterol is checked
These are the general intervals MedlinePlus (NIH) recommends. If you already have high cholesterol or take medication, the doctor will tell you how often to repeat it.
- Younger adults (20 and older) without other risks: every 5 years.
- Men 45 to 65 and women 55 to 65: every 1 to 2 years.
- Over 65: every year.
- You may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test.
High cholesterol follow-up by telehealth in Puerto Rico
In an online doctor visit the doctor can review your results, give you a lab order for your next lipid panel, adjust your plan and refill your prescription when appropriate. This works for residents and for visitors who are on the island.
A lab order or prescription has no extra charge: it is part of the US$79 visit. The lab charges for the tests and the pharmacy for the medicine. Have your most recent results and your medication list ready. See how a visit works.
Cholesterol in children
MedlinePlus says children should have a first cholesterol test between ages 9 and 11, repeated every 5 years. If there is a family history of very high cholesterol or early heart disease, your child's pediatric specialist may recommend testing sooner.
Video visit: US$79 · Pay by card · See the price and what is included
Before you book
- You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors and tourists are welcome).
- We see patients from 6 months old. Patients under 21: a parent or legal guardian must be on camera for the whole visit.
- Real-time video only; we do not do phone-call visits.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Frequently asked questions
- What cholesterol level is dangerous?
- There is no single number. For adults, healthy is total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL and LDL under 100 mg/dL. How worrying a high value is depends on your overall heart risk, which the doctor assesses with you.
- Does high cholesterol cause symptoms?
- No. That is why it is found with a blood test. Symptoms appear only once there are complications, such as chest pain or a stroke.
- Do I need to fast before the test?
- Sometimes. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything but water for 9 to 12 hours beforehand. Follow the instructions on your lab order.
- Can you refill my cholesterol medication by video?
- Yes, when the doctor judges it appropriate after the visit. A recent lipid panel helps; if you do not have one, she can give you a lab order.
Sources
- MedlinePlus (NIH): Cholesterol levels (accessed 2026-09-30)
- CDC: About cholesterol (accessed 2026-09-30)
- NIDDK (NIH): Managing diabetes, including cholesterol (accessed 2026-09-30)