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Cardiologia

Understanding hypercholesterolemia

It is estimated that 1 in 2 Portuguese adults has high cholesterol, and most do not know it. This guide explains the causes, the silent signs, and the latest treatments — from statins to PCSK9 inhibitors — that are transforming cardiovascular care in Portugal.

Dr Tiago Miguel FigueiraJuly 20, 202623 min readLast reviewed July 21, 2026
Cardiovascular health in Portugal

Causes, warning signs, current treatments, prevention, and screening for high cholesterol.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal. And one of its main drivers, elevated blood cholesterol, affects roughly half of Portuguese adults, most of whom have no idea they have it. By its very nature, hypercholesterolemia is a condition that doesn't announce itself with symptoms, it announces itself with events: a heart attack, a stroke, sudden cardiac death.

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Section 01

High Cholesterol in Portugal: The Scale of the Problem

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made naturally by the liver and also obtained through diet. It is essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones, and synthesizing vitamin D. The problem starts when levels, particularly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, cross the threshold at which arterial damage begins. That process, atherosclerosis, underlies most heart attacks and strokes.

Data from the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and the National Health Survey (INS), published by the Directorate-General of Health, show that high cholesterol is one of the most common uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors in the Portuguese adult population. According to the DGS National Programme for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Portugal, with high cholesterol playing a decisive role in that reality.

~50%
Of Portuguese adults with elevated total cholesterol
1 in 250
People in Portugal affected by Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
1st cause
Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Portugal
>90%
Of FH cases in Portugal estimated to be undiagnosed

Source: INSA, National Health Survey; DGS, National Programme for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease; Portuguese Cardiology Foundation; Portuguese Association of Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) deserves particular attention. This inherited genetic condition, affecting roughly 1 in 250 people, or about 40,000 individuals in Portugal, drives dramatically elevated LDL from birth, putting those affected at risk of a heart attack often decades earlier than would otherwise be expected. The Portuguese Association of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (APHF) estimates that more than 90% of FH cases in Portugal remain undiagnosed. Without treatment, men with FH face a 50% risk of a coronary event before age 50; women before age 60.

Section 02

Types of High Cholesterol

Not all high cholesterol has the same cause or the same clinical significance. Understanding the type and pattern of your lipid abnormality guides treatment decisions.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Genetic · Autosomal dominant · High risk
Caused by mutations in the LDL receptor gene (most commonly), APOB, or PCSK9. Results in very high LDL from birth, typically above 4.9 mmol/L. Left untreated, it leads to early atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Requires early identification and aggressive treatment, usually high-intensity statins plus additional agents.
Primary (Lifestyle) Hypercholesterolemia
Acquired · Modifiable · Most common
The most common form. Driven by a diet high in saturated and trans fats, physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking. LDL elevation is usually moderate and responds well to lifestyle change combined with drug therapy when needed.
Secondary Hypercholesterolemia
Underlying condition · Treatable cause
High cholesterol arising from an underlying medical condition, hypothyroidism, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, or liver disease, or from medications such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, or certain antipsychotics. Treating the underlying cause often significantly improves lipid values.
Mixed Dyslipidemia
Elevated LDL + triglycerides · Complex risk
A combination of elevated LDL and elevated triglycerides, often with low HDL (reduced "good cholesterol"). Often associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and obesity. Requires a multi-pronged treatment approach that targets several lipid fractions at once.
Section 03

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic Causes

Familial hypercholesterolemia is the most important genetic cause of premature cardiovascular disease. It results mainly from mutations in the gene that codes for the LDL receptor, the cellular mechanism through which LDL cholesterol is cleared from the bloodstream. When LDL receptors are missing or too few, LDL builds up in the blood and progressively deposits in the artery walls. The condition is autosomal dominant, meaning a single copy of the affected gene is enough to cause it. Children of an affected parent have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Lifestyle and Environmental Causes

For most people, high cholesterol results from the intersection of genetic predisposition and lifestyle. Each of the following risk factors is independently associated with elevated LDL or total cholesterol, and combining them substantially amplifies the risk.

A diet high in saturated fat Red meat, full-fat dairy, butter, coconut oil, and palm oil raise LDL. Trans fats are the most harmful and are now largely banned from food production across the EU.
Physical inactivity Regular aerobic exercise raises HDL ("good cholesterol") and lowers triglycerides. A sedentary lifestyle has the opposite effect and independently worsens the lipid profile.
Obesity Excess body weight, particularly central adiposity, is associated with elevated triglycerides, low HDL, and often raised LDL. Weight loss improves all lipid parameters.
Smoking Tobacco smoke lowers HDL and accelerates the oxidative modification of LDL, making it more atherogenic (more damaging to the arteries), even at comparable total cholesterol levels.
Excess alcohol intake Heavy drinking significantly raises triglycerides. Moderate intake may slightly raise HDL, but it does not offset the broader cardiovascular harm of heavy drinking.
Age Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age as LDL receptor activity declines. Postmenopausal women see a marked rise in LDL, which partly explains why cardiovascular risk between the sexes converges after menopause.
Family history A first-degree relative with early cardiovascular disease or known FH substantially raises personal risk and should prompt earlier, more frequent screening.
Coexisting conditions Hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, and obstructive liver disease each independently raise cholesterol and call for targeted management.
Section 04

Signs and Symptoms

This is the central clinical challenge of high cholesterol: it is almost entirely symptom-free until significant arterial damage has occurred. There's no pain, fever, or shortness of breath caused directly by cholesterol. For many patients, the first "symptom" is a heart attack or stroke, often in someone who felt completely fine the day before.

In cases of severe or long-standing elevation, particularly in familial hypercholesterolemia, certain physical signs can appear. It's worth recognizing them, since they're often the only visible clue that a significant lipid abnormality is present:

Xanthomas Cholesterol deposits under the skin. Tendon xanthomas (typically on the Achilles tendon or the knuckles) are strongly linked to FH and are nearly diagnostic on their own.
Xanthelasma Soft, yellowish plaques on or near the eyelids. Often noticed for cosmetic reasons, they're a marker of dyslipidemia and warrant a lipid profile.
Corneal arcus A grey or white ring around the iris. In people under 45, corneal arcus can be a marker of high cholesterol and warrants investigation.
Chest pain (angina) Not caused directly by cholesterol, but a consequence of the atherosclerosis it drives. Chest tightness or discomfort on exertion needs urgent cardiovascular assessment.
Leg pain when walking Peripheral artery disease, calf pain on exertion that eases with rest (claudication), is caused by atherosclerosis in the arteries of the lower limbs.
Signs of TIA or stroke Sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial asymmetry, or vision loss can signal a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke, a medical emergency.

The core clinical message is unambiguous: don't wait for symptoms. A fasting lipid profile is the only reliable way to detect high cholesterol. It's simple, affordable, and widely available through your family doctor. Having no symptoms is not proof of good health, it's precisely when acting matters most.

Section 05

Current Treatments for High Cholesterol in Portugal

Treatment of high cholesterol in Portugal follows the guidance of the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) / European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias (updated in 2024), and the recommendations of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC). The treatment goal isn't defined by a single cholesterol number, but by an LDL target set according to individual cardiovascular risk, with higher-risk patients needing a more aggressive LDL reduction.

LDL Targets by Risk Category

The 2024 ESC/EAS guidelines set the following LDL goals: very high risk (established cardiovascular disease, severe kidney disease, diabetes with organ damage), LDL below 1.4 mmol/L; high risk, below 1.8 mmol/L; moderate risk, below 2.6 mmol/L; low risk, below 3.0 mmol/L. Your doctor will calculate your cardiovascular risk using validated tools (SCORE2, QRISK3) to determine which target applies to you.

First line · All risk groups
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
Atorvastatin · Rosuvastatin · Simvastatin
The cornerstone of cholesterol treatment for three decades. Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in liver cholesterol synthesis, lowering LDL by 30 to 55% depending on the drug and dose. High-intensity statins (atorvastatin 40–80 mg, rosuvastatin 20–40 mg) are preferred for high- and very-high-risk patients. Available through the SNS in Portugal. The evidence base, including the Heart Protection Study and multiple meta-analyses, is among the strongest in pharmacology.
Second line · Add-on therapy
Ezetimibe
Ezetrol · Generic ezetimibe
Reduces intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Lowers LDL by a further 15 to 22% when added to a statin. The IMPROVE-IT trial showed a modest but real reduction in cardiovascular events when added to simvastatin in high-risk patients. Well tolerated and available through the SNS. Standard second-line therapy in Portugal when statin monotherapy fails to reach the LDL target.
High risk and FH · Specialist-initiated
PCSK9 Inhibitors
Evolocumab (Repatha) · Alirocumab (Praluent)
Monoclonal antibodies that block PCSK9, the protein responsible for breaking down LDL receptors in liver cells. They dramatically increase the availability of LDL receptors, lowering LDL by an additional 50 to 65% on top of a statin. The FOURIER and ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trials showed 15 to 20% reductions in major cardiovascular events. Given by subcutaneous injection every two or four weeks. Available in Portugal by specialist prescription for FH and very-high-risk patients.
Innovative · Twice-yearly injection
Inclisiran
Leqvio
A small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy that silences liver production of PCSK9 at the genetic level, lowering LDL by roughly 50% with just two injections a year after an initial loading dose. The ORION study programme showed sustained LDL reduction with an excellent safety profile. Available in Portugal through specialist lipid and cardiology services.
Elevated triglycerides
Fibrates and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fenofibrate · Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa)
Fibrates primarily lower triglycerides and modestly raise HDL. Purified icosapent ethyl (EPA omega-3) showed a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events in the REDUCE-IT trial in high-risk patients with elevated triglycerides despite statin therapy, a striking result now reflected in updated international guidelines. Available in Portugal by specialist prescription.
Statin intolerance · Alternative
Bempedoic Acid
Nilemdo · Nustendi (with ezetimibe)
An oral agent that inhibits cholesterol synthesis upstream of statins, via ATP-citrate lyase. Because it is activated only in the liver (not in muscle tissue), it does not cause the muscle pain that leads some patients to stop taking statins. The CLEAR Outcomes trial (2023) confirmed that bempedoic acid reduces major cardiovascular events in statin-intolerant patients. Available in Portugal for patients who cannot tolerate statins.
2024 ESC/EAS Guideline Update: The updated European guidelines reinforced that very-high-risk patients, those with established cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolemia, should reach an LDL below 1.4 mmol/L, and that combination therapy (statin + ezetimibe ± a PCSK9 inhibitor or inclisiran) should be started early rather than step by step, when monotherapy is unlikely to reach the goals. If you have established heart disease and your LDL remains above target, talk to your doctor or cardiologist about intensifying treatment.
Section 06

Prevention and Lifestyle: What You Can Do

Lifestyle change is the first and most sustainable intervention for managing cholesterol and lowering cardiovascular risk. For patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, dietary and lifestyle changes, kept up consistently, can achieve clinically meaningful LDL reductions and, for many, avoid the need for medication altogether. Even for those on drug therapy, lifestyle changes amplify the effectiveness of treatment and independently lower cardiovascular risk through mechanisms that go beyond cholesterol.

Adopt a heart-healthy diet Replace saturated fats (red meat, butter, cream, coconut oil) with unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado, oily fish). The Mediterranean dietary pattern, widely recommended by the ESC and supported by the PREDIMED study, lowers cardiovascular events independently of cholesterol values. Increase fibre intake from oats, legumes, and vegetables.
Exercise regularly At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming). Regular aerobic exercise raises HDL, lowers triglycerides, and reduces cardiovascular risk beyond its effect on cholesterol. Resistance training adds further metabolic health benefits.
Quit smoking Quitting smoking is one of the highest-impact interventions available for lowering cardiovascular risk. It raises HDL, reduces LDL oxidation, and cuts cardiovascular risk by half within 1 to 2 years. Your doctor can prescribe pharmacological support (varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion), all available in Portugal through the SNS.
Maintain a healthy weight Losing 5 to 10% of body weight produces meaningful improvements across the whole lipid profile: it lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. Weight management also independently lowers blood pressure and insulin resistance, the two conditions most commonly linked to high cholesterol.
Limit alcohol intake Alcohol significantly raises triglycerides. Follow DGS guidance: no more than 10 to 17 units a week depending on sex, with several alcohol-free days. For those with elevated triglycerides, abstinence may be necessary.
Prioritize sleep and stress management Chronic sleep deprivation and psychological stress negatively affect the lipid profile and cardiovascular risk through pathways mediated by cortisol and inflammation. Seven to nine hours of sleep a night and stress-reduction practices are recognized components of cardiovascular prevention.

The Portuguese Cardiology Foundation offers free, comprehensive resources on heart-healthy habits, including dietary guides and smoking-cessation programmes tailored for Portuguese patients. The National Health Service (SNS) also offers community support for lifestyle change across the country.

Section 07

Why Regular Screening Matters

Because high cholesterol causes no symptoms, detection depends entirely on proactive blood testing. And because cardiovascular risk isn't set by cholesterol alone but by the combined effect of every risk factor over time, your full cardiovascular risk profile, not just your cholesterol number, needs regular evaluation and monitoring.

In Portugal, cholesterol screening is built into adult check-ups within SNS primary care. The DGS recommends that all adults over 40 have their cholesterol tested at least every 5 years, and more often if risk factors are present or treatment has already started.

What Your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Should Include

  • Fasting lipid profile: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
  • Non-HDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio calculation
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Fasting glucose and HbA1c (diabetes screening)
  • Thyroid function (TSH), to rule out hypothyroidism as a secondary cause
  • Kidney function — eGFR and urine albumin (CKD raises cardiovascular risk)
  • Weight and BMI
  • Cardiovascular risk score calculation (SCORE2 or QRISK3)
  • Review of family history, particularly early cardiovascular disease
  • Physical exam for xanthomas, xanthelasma, and corneal arcus
  • Assessment of smoking status and cessation support if applicable
  • Medication review and adjustment if already on lipid-lowering therapy

Monitoring During Lipid-Lowering Therapy

After starting a statin or another lipid-lowering agent, a fasting lipid profile should be repeated 8 to 12 weeks after starting or changing dose, both to assess response and to check for adverse effects (liver enzymes, CK if muscle symptoms appear). Once a stable LDL target is reached, annual monitoring is standard. For patients on PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran, monitoring intervals are set by the prescribing specialist.

Cascade Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia

If FH is suspected, based on very high LDL, physical signs (tendon xanthomas), or a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease, cascade screening of first-degree relatives is recommended. The Portuguese Association of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (APHF) supports families affected by FH and advocates for a national cascade screening programme. Genetic testing for known FH mutations is available through specialist lipid services in Portugal, including at the São João University Hospital Centre and the Lisbon North University Hospital Centre (Santa Maria Hospital).

Had your cholesterol checked lately? If you're over 40, have a family history of heart disease, are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have never had a cholesterol screening, talk to your doctor or book an online consultation. A fasting lipid profile just needs a simple blood draw after an overnight fast, and it gives a complete picture of your cardiovascular risk.
Section 08

Research and Future Treatments

The pace of innovation in lipid medicine is remarkable. The last decade brought PCSK9 inhibitors; this decade has already delivered inclisiran. What follows represents the research frontier that could reshape cholesterol management even further in the years ahead.

Phase 3 trials · 2024–2026
Lerodalcibep (PCSK9 Inhibitor, Monthly Injection)
A new small binding protein (adnectin) that binds and inhibits PCSK9, given by subcutaneous injection once a month. The LIBerate-HR trial showed LDL reductions of roughly 65% on top of statin therapy. Unlike current monoclonal antibodies, lerodalcibep is stable at room temperature for up to 12 months, a meaningful practical advantage for patients in community settings.
Phase 2/3 · Gene Silencing
Zilebesiran (siRNA Targeting ANGPTL3, Annual or Twice-Yearly Injection)
An RNA interference therapy targeting angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a liver regulator of lipoprotein metabolism. The KARDIA phase 2 trials showed substantial reductions in LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL with a single injection given annually or twice a year. Particularly promising for patients with mixed dyslipidemia or statin intolerance. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 2023.
Phase 1/2 · Durable Therapy
Gene Editing for FH (CRISPR and Base Editing)
Researchers at the Broad Institute (Harvard/MIT), in a paper published in Nature in 2021, showed that base editing can lower LDL by 60% in primate models through a single treatment targeting the PCSK9 gene in the liver. The prospect of a durable, one-time treatment, potentially applicable to FH, has entered early human trials, with careful attention to off-target effects and long-term safety.
Emerging Evidence · Landmark Trial
Lipoprotein(a) — Lp(a) — Targeted Therapies
Lipoprotein(a), an LDL-like particle whose levels are genetically determined, is now recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor affecting around 20% of the population. Until recently, no approved therapy lowered Lp(a). Pelacarsen (an antisense oligonucleotide) and olpasiran (an siRNA) are in Phase 3 trials. Results from the Lp(a) HORIZON trial are expected in 2025. Follow updates through the European Society of Cardiology.
Reference Research · Portugal
Portuguese Society of Cardiology — National Registries
The Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC) maintains national registries of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and FH that generate benchmark data on the real-world impact of high cholesterol in the Portuguese population. These registries directly inform national clinical guidelines and health policy, and feed into aggregated ESC data across Europe.
Precision Cardiology · AI
AI-Driven Cardiovascular Risk Stratification
Machine-learning algorithms, including tools in development at the NOVA Medical School and the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP), are being trained to identify high-cardiovascular-risk patients beyond what traditional SCORE2/QRISK3 tools can capture. Integrating genomic, lipid, imaging, and lifestyle data has the potential to personalize both LDL targets and treatment selection at the individual level.

The broader scientific story of cardiovascular risk reduction is one of hard-won progress. The Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' Collaboration (CTT), the definitive meta-analysis of statin trials spanning more than 170,000 patients, published in The Lancet, established that every 1.0 mmol/L reduction in LDL produces roughly a 22% reduction in major cardiovascular events, a finding that holds across every risk group and cholesterol level. Lowering LDL more, for longer, and earlier produces greater absolute benefit. This principle now guides every modern treatment target.

Section 09

Key Portuguese Institutions

If you're living with high cholesterol or elevated cardiovascular risk in Portugal, or have concerns tied to your family history, the following organizations are your main points of reference.

Portuguese Cardiology Foundation APHF — Familial Hypercholesterolemia Directorate-General of Health Portuguese Society of Cardiology INSA Portuguese Medical Association European Society of Cardiology

Portuguese Cardiology Foundation

The Portuguese Cardiology Foundation is Portugal's leading cardiovascular health organization dedicated to public information and prevention. It offers resources on cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk; advocates for better access to preventive care; and promotes cardiovascular health literacy across the country. Its heart-health resources, including dietary guides and risk calculators, are freely available online.

Portuguese Association of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (APHF)

The APHF is the national organization for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. It has consistently advocated for a national FH cascade-screening programme, better SNS access to PCSK9 inhibitors, and greater awareness of FH among both the public and primary care clinicians. If you suspect you or a family member may have FH, the APHF is an invaluable first point of contact.

DGS — National Programme for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease

The DGS National Programme for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease oversees clinical governance and care-pathway development for heart and vascular conditions in Portugal. It publishes clinical guidelines and integrated care models that shape how family doctors and specialists manage lipid disorders nationwide.

Section 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is high cholesterol common in Portugal?

Yes. High cholesterol is one of the most prevalent modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Portugal. Data from INSA and the National Health Survey show that roughly half of Portuguese adults have elevated total cholesterol. Most go undiagnosed, because high cholesterol causes no symptoms. Familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited form that causes very high LDL from birth, affects about 1 in 250 people in Portugal, with more than 90% estimated to be undiagnosed.

What are the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is essentially a silent disease, most people have no symptoms until a serious cardiovascular event occurs. In cases of severe or familial high cholesterol, physical signs can appear, such as xanthomas (fat deposits under the skin, especially on the Achilles tendon or knuckles), xanthelasma (yellowish plaques near the eyelids), and corneal arcus (a grey ring around the iris, significant in people under 45). The only reliable way to detect high cholesterol is a blood test: a fasting lipid profile.

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol has both genetic and lifestyle-related causes. The most important genetic cause is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), caused by mutations in the LDL receptor gene. Lifestyle-related causes include a diet high in saturated and trans fats, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and excess alcohol intake. Secondary causes include hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and certain medications. For most people, cholesterol levels are shaped by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors.

What are the best treatments for high cholesterol in Portugal?

Treatment depends on overall cardiovascular risk and LDL target, not on the cholesterol number alone. Lifestyle change, diet, exercise, smoking cessation, weight control, is the foundation for every patient. Statins (particularly high-intensity atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) are the first-line drug treatment, widely available through the SNS in Portugal. For patients who don't reach their LDL targets, ezetimibe is added. For high-risk patients or those with familial hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab, alirocumab) and inclisiran, a twice-yearly RNA injection, are available through specialist services. Bempedoic acid is now available for patients who cannot tolerate statins.

How often should I have my cholesterol checked in Portugal?

The DGS recommends that all adults over 40 have their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, or more often if risk factors are present (family history, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, or diabetes). If you're on cholesterol medication, your doctor should repeat your fasting lipid profile 8 to 12 weeks after starting or changing dose, then annually once your levels stabilize. Anyone with a first-degree relative with premature cardiovascular disease (before age 60) or known FH should be screened earlier, ideally in their 20s or 30s.

Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?

For patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk and mildly elevated LDL, lifestyle change alone, particularly adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and losing excess weight, can achieve clinically meaningful LDL reductions of 10 to 20%, and in some cases avoid the need for medication altogether. However, for patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk, or with familial hypercholesterolemia, lifestyle change alone is generally not enough to reach guideline targets, and drug therapy is recommended alongside lifestyle changes, not instead of them. Talk to your doctor about what's right for your specific risk profile.

Can I see a doctor about high cholesterol online in Portugal?

Yes. Global Health offers online medical consultations with doctors registered with the Portuguese Medical Association. These include cardiovascular risk assessment, review of cholesterol tests, prescription of statins and other medications when clinically indicated, and ordering of laboratory tests (fasting lipid profile, glucose, thyroid function, and a full metabolic panel). Same-day appointments are available, seven days a week. Book your consultation at myglobalhealth.online/pt/portugal/family-and-general-medicine.

Medical Disclaimer Written by Dr. Tiago Miguel Figueira (Portuguese Medical Association No. 77986), Clinical Director at Global Health. This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. It is based on DGS guidelines, the 2024 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias, recommendations from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, and peer-reviewed scientific literature, updated as of June 2026. If you are experiencing symptoms of a cardiovascular emergency, call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.

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