Avoiding high cholesterol is more than just a healthy diet

Jules Payne

Chief Executive, Heart UK

Almost half the adult UK population have raised cholesterol. You can’t generally see it, and it can be a silent killer, so you need to understand if you are at risk.

Although it is a complex matter, the approach is quite simple: get to know and understand your cholesterol numbers, and take appropriate action. As the nation’s cholesterol charity, we can help you reduce it and save lives. We work to prevent premature illness and death from high cholesterol and other blood fats.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of blood fat which is made in the liver. It’s found in some food too.

We all need some cholesterol in our bodies just to keep us ticking over but having too much can clog up your arteries and lead to a possible heart attack or stroke.

How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

The only way to know whether there is a problem is to better understand your risk. The first step to this is to have a cholesterol test.

We work to prevent premature illness and death from high cholesterol and other blood fats.

Who should have a cholesterol test and know their numbers?

HEART UK would like everyone to know their cholesterol numbers, but in particular:

• If you are between the age of 40 – 74 and are offered an NHS Health Check, we would encourage you to take up that offer. A cholesterol test is included.
• If you have had a heart attack or stroke, then you should be taking medication to help reduce your cholesterol risk and already know your numbers. If not, find out from your healthcare professional or have a test to better understand your risk.
• If you have early (under the age of 60) heart disease in the family, this could be a result of a genetic high cholesterol condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). If left untreated, this could cause a heart attack, stroke, or even death earlier in life — as early as 20s, 30s, or 40s.
• If you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

What can I do about it if I have high cholesterol?

It is important to have a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, in some cases, medication will be required. You can work through this with your healthcare professional. HEART UK has information and support to help you through your journey to a healthy future.