High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
Overview
Dyslipidemia means elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, or low HDL, usually without symptoms; over time it promotes atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Chinese medicine conceptualizes it as lipid turbidity and phlegm-dampness linked to impaired spleen movement, liver coursing, and kidney qi transformation, plus poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Patterns include internal phlegm-damp, spleen deficiency with abundant dampness, qi stagnation with blood stasis, and liver-kidney yin deficiency; diet and exercise are the foundation.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Internal Phlegm-Damp
Overweight with heavy tired body, chest-epigastric stuffiness, heavy dizzy head, poor appetite and sleepiness, greasy white coating, slippery pulse.
Fortify the spleen and transform dampness; resolve phlegm and downbear turbidity.
Qi Stagnation & Blood Stasis
Chest oppression and rib fullness, sometimes chest pain (bi), dark complexion and purplish lips, dark tongue or stasis spots with thin coating, wiry or rough pulse.
Soothe the liver and move qi; invigorate blood and unblock collaterals.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Lifestyle is central: reduce saturated/trans fats, organ meats, fried foods, sweets, and sugary drinks; increase whole grains, legumes, vegetables, oily fish, and moderate nuts. Do regular weekly aerobic exercise, manage weight, stop smoking, and limit alcohol. Recheck lipids periodically and take prescribed lipid-lowering medication when indicated—do not stop it because of adjunctive care.
When to seek medical care
Seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure, exertional shortness of breath, or sudden limb weakness and slurred speech—signs of a heart or cerebrovascular emergency.