TCM diagnosis Based on Syndrome Differentiation:
TCM practitioners recognize four primary conditions that are connected to high cholesterol. Each diagnosis is determined from an individual analysis of your pulse, tongue, symptoms, and lifestyle. These diagnoses include Damp-Phlegm in the Lung or Spleen, Blood Stasis, Spleen-Stomach Deficiency, and Liver-Kidney Deficiency. Acupuncture and herbal treatment will be based upon the correction of your imbalance with additional points and herbs for the specific symptom of high cholesterol.

Diagnosis in Western Medicine:
Your cholesterol level can be measured with a simple blood test. Your doctor or nurse may take a blood sample using either a needle and syringe, or a finger prick. The amount of cholesterol in your blood is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, usually shortened to ‘mmol/L'. There are different types of cholesterol in your blood, and your blood test will show how much of each type you have. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps to protect your body from heart disease and stroke, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increases your risk.

Your doctor will look at your total cholesterol level and how much HDL you have compared to your total cholesterol (this is called your total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio). The blood test will also measure the levels of another type of fat in your blood, called triglycerides. A high level of triglycerides is also a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The levels of cholesterol in your blood can vary from day to day, so your doctor may want to repeat the test before recommending any treatment. You may be offered a cholesterol test if you:

are over the age of 40
have a family history of high cholesterol
have already been diagnosed with heart disease or stroke
have yellow patches around your eyes or on your skin
have certain risk factors for heart disease and stroke such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes.