It’s National Cholesterol Month - Do you know your levels?

Nearly half of UK adults have high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Understanding what cholesterol is, how it works, and how simple lifestyle changes can help manage it is key to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and protecting your heart.

What is Cholesterol?

We need some cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, but when levels become too high, it can cause problems. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of future health issues, including heart attacks and strokes. The only way to find out if your cholesterol is high is through a cholesterol test.

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood that plays an important role in how our cells function. It’s essential for building cells, producing hormones and vitamin D to support strong bones, and creating bile acids that help aid digestion.

Cholesterol is mostly produced by the liver and is carried through the bloodstream by particles called lipoproteins, which are commonly known as “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. The remaining cholesterol comes from animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, and dairy products.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove excess cholesterol by carrying it from the body’s cells back to the liver, where it’s broken down and cleared away. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When LDL levels are too high, cholesterol can build up in the artery walls, forming plaque that narrows or blocks the arteries — a condition called atherosclerosis.

What causes High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol can develop due to lifestyle factors such as eating a diet high in fat, lack of physical activity, being overweight, smoking, or drinking alcohol. It can however also be inherited, and many people are unaware they have it. Anyone can have high cholesterol, even those who are young, slim, and otherwise healthy.

You are at a higher risk of developing high cholesterol if you’re over 50, male, have gone through menopause, or are of South Asian or Sub-Saharan African heritage. When checking your cholesterol levels, it is also important to measure your triglycerides, which is another type of blood fat. If triglyceride levels are too high, they can further increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

What happens if my Cholesterol levels are too high?

You can help lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet and staying physically active. Some people may also need medication, and there are several treatment options available to help manage cholesterol and other blood fats. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medicine, but other types are also available. These treatments are most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

What is Genetic High Cholesterol (Inherited)?

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol levels. It is passed down through families from parent to child and can often be traced back through several generations. People with FH can have significantly higher cholesterol levels than others, even with a healthy lifestyle, because the condition affects how cholesterol is processed in the body. 

Without treatment, FH can lead to heart disease at a young age. However, once diagnosed, it can be effectively managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle. If you have FH, there is a 50% chance your children will inherit it, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, they can still live a healthy life.

You can get your levels checked at Shropshire Health!