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Cardiologist, Smt. S.R. Mehta & Sir K.P. Cardiac Institute, Mumbai · View our doctors
Last reviewed: [4-11-2026]
See a cardiologist if your blood pressure or cholesterol stays high despite medicines and lifestyle changes, if you also have diabetes, obesity, a smoking history or a family history of heart disease, if you are over 40, or if you have symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness or palpitations. High BP and high cholesterol usually cause no symptoms, so waiting to “feel something” is the biggest risk.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often called silent conditions because they damage your arteries for years before you notice anything. According to the World Health Organization, about 44% of adults with hypertension don’t know they have it. This guide explains the numbers, when a family doctor is enough, and when you need a heart specialist.
Seek emergency help (108 or 112) if high BP or cholesterol comes with chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a severe headache, vision problems, or weakness or numbness on one side. In Mumbai, call +91-22-69105400 or go to our casualty department.
If symptoms are sudden or severe, call an ambulance (108 or 112). In Mumbai, call +91-22-69105400 or go to our casualty department.
Call +91-22-69105400 Casualty DepartmentKnowing your numbers is the first step. Doctors diagnose a condition from repeated readings, not from a single high reading.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high. Over time it strains the heart and damages blood vessels.
Left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney damage. If you are younger, read about the causes of high blood pressure in young adults.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart. A blood test called a lipid profile measures four things:
Test | What it shows | Commonly used reference for healthy adults |
Total cholesterol | All cholesterol in your blood | Below 200 mg/dL |
LDL (“bad”) | Builds up in the arteries | Below 100 mg/dL (lower if you are at high risk) |
HDL (“good”) | Helps clear LDL | Higher is better; 60 mg/dL or more is ideal |
Triglycerides | Another blood fat | Your report shows the range |
These are general reference values. The right target for you depends on your overall heart risk, so ask your doctor what yours should be. You can get blood tests done at our pathology department.
A cardiology check-up can assess your heart risk and plan the right treatment. Speak to our team today.
Many people start with a family physician, which is fine. Move to a cardiologist when any of these apply.
If your blood pressure or cholesterol remains uncontrolled after lifestyle changes and medicines, you need a specialist assessment. A cardiologist can look for the cause and adjust treatment.
High BP or cholesterol together with any of these multiplies your heart risk:
Most people have no symptoms, but warning signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, unusual tiredness, and dizziness or fainting. Headaches and nosebleeds can occur with very high pressure. Don’t ignore any of these. If you want a full list, read our guide on chest pain, palpitations and fatigue.
Targets are stricter in these conditions, and treatment needs closer monitoring. A cardiologist coordinates this with your other doctors.
Risk rises with age, even if you feel healthy. A preventive check-up can find early artery changes before complications develop. Our healthcare packages include health check-ups.
If you have had one, high BP and cholesterol control becomes essential to prevent another. Learn the warning signs in our guide on what to do when someone has a stroke.
A family physician can manage early, uncomplicated cases. A cardiologist adds a closer look at what the numbers are doing to your heart:
The goal is not only to lower the numbers but to protect your heart long term. Our cardiologists in Mumbai see patients through the OPD.
In the early stages, lifestyle changes can make a real difference, and they remain important even when you take medicines. Whether they are enough depends on your numbers and your overall risk, so let your doctor decide.
For more habits, read how to keep your heart healthy.
Home readings help your doctor see the true picture. For reliable readings:
Blood pressure should be checked regularly, and at least once a year for most adults. For cholesterol, the American Heart Association suggests every 4 to 6 years for adults aged 20 and above whose risk stays low. You need checks more often if you have high readings, diabetes, a family history, or you are already on treatment. Your doctor will set the schedule.
For a lipid profile you may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours, so follow the instructions you are given when you book.
High blood pressure and cholesterol don’t wait for warning signs, so neither should you. If your numbers are high, you have risk factors, or you haven’t had a heart check-up in a while, book a consultation with our cardiology team or call +91-22-69105400.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Not always at the start, since a family physician can manage early cases. See a cardiologist if your levels stay high despite treatment, you have other risk factors or heart symptoms, you already have heart disease, or you are over 40 with risk factors.
Usually no. Plaque builds up silently, and symptoms such as chest pain appear only when arteries are significantly narrowed. A blood test is the only way to know.
Check blood pressure at least once a year, and more often if it is high. For cholesterol, the American Heart Association suggests every 4 to 6 years for low-risk adults, and more often if you have risk factors. Your doctor will set the schedule.
The WHO defines hypertension as 140/90 mmHg or higher on two different days. A reading of about 180/120 or above, especially with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache or vision changes, needs emergency care.
In early stages they sometimes can, and they always support treatment. Many people also need medicines, so don’t stop or skip anything without asking your doctor.
Sometimes. A fasting lipid profile usually means no food or drink other than water for 9 to 12 hours. Your doctor or lab will tell you what to do.
S.R. Mehta & Sir K.P. Cardiac Institute, Mumbai’s premier facility noted for excellence in heart health services, provides the greatest cardiac hospital experience.