Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern, and would explain that chocolate intake can contribute in high values of cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol levels may also be secondary to the following: 1-Diabetes 2-Liver or kidney disease 3-Polycystic ovary syndrome 4-Thyroid gland dysfunction 5-Drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol (progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids). I recommend consulting with the GP and performing some lab tests: (a complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, thyroid hormone levels, fasting glucose) to exclude these possible causes. I would explain that the total cholesterol plasma level is a weak indicator of cardio-vascular risk. It is more important to perform Total cholesterol/ HDL cholesterol ratio in order to calculate your cardio-vascular risk. I recommend consulting with your GP on the above issues and consider the possibility of starting a statine or just continuing with a diet modification : - avoid chocolate - take a lot of soya food and nuts - take a lot of omega 3 and olive oil, including salmon fish - use a lot of carrots in your diet - Green tea and matcha tea - Flaxseed and Hemp Seeds etc. Hope to have been of help! Best wishes, Dr. Iliri