Dyslipidemia in Men
High cholesterol in men is evaluated using the same 2026 ACC/AHA/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline risk framework as the general population, though men tend to develop cardiovascular risk earlier, which is part of why erectile dysfunction and abnormal lipids so often show up together.
Symptoms
No symptoms in most cases -- the first sign is often a cardiovascular event or, sometimes, erectile dysfunction, which can precede a heart attack by several years since penile arteries are smaller and show vascular damage sooner.
Causes and risk
Diet, genetics, diabetes, obesity, and inactivity are the main drivers; a strong family history of early heart disease raises the possibility of an inherited lipid disorder worth testing for specifically.
How it is evaluated
A full lipid panel combined with blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking status, and family history feeds into a 10-year cardiovascular risk calculation that determines how aggressively to treat.
Treatment
Statins are recommended regardless of calculated risk for LDL of 190 mg/dL or higher, or for diabetes, kidney disease, or HIV. Diet, exercise, and weight management remain foundational alongside medication when it's needed.
When to seek care
High cholesterol itself is not an emergency, but chest discomfort lasting more than about 20 minutes needs a 911 call.