Cholesterol is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer”. In fact, according to Heart UK, the cholesterol charity, approximately half of all heart attacks are caused by high cholesterol. It’s also one of the main causes of stroke.

Even more alarmingly, according to statistics site Cardiac Matters, 60% of adults in the UK have high cholesterol. In short, cholesterol-related heart problems are costing the NHS billions each year, and the situation is also costing lives.

Getting to Grips with Cholesterol

Astonishingly, despite its prevalence in our society, most people remain relatively unaware as to what cholesterol actually is, and how it can impact health.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is made in your liver, but is also present in many foods. Contrary to popular opinion, cholesterol actually has a really important purpose in the body – promoting healthy cell functioning, and also helping with the production of vitamin D, digestive bile and certain hormones.

It’s when there is too much cholesterol in the blood that the problems occur. However, it’s important to know that not all cholesterols are created equal. HDL, or High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, is actually good for you. However, LDL, or Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, is the type that can clog up arteries, reducing blood flow, and increasing the risk of heart disease and other related conditions.

Cholesterol Tests: Understanding the Numbers

In the case of cholesterol, ignorance definitely isn’t bliss; it’s important to not only get regularly tested, but to understand the numbers and what they indicate.

Cholesterol testing is a fairly straightforward process, and involves either a blood sample taken from a vein, normally in the arm, or a pinprick test. A pinprick test can be used to determine how much total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol you have in your blood. A venous sample can provide additional information on non-HDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride concentrations. Triglycerides are types of fats found in dairy produce, cooking oils and meats.

In order to be considered healthy, you should have:

• Total cholesterol levels of 5mmol/ L or less
• LDL (bad) cholesterol level of 3mmol/L or less
• Non-HDL cholesterol level of 4mmol/L or less
• Fasting triglyceride level of 2mmol/L or less
• Non-fasting triglyceride level of 4mmol/L or less

If you are on cholesterol reducing medication, have inherited high cholesterol, or are between the age of 40 and 75, you’re entitled to a free NHS cholesterol test. Simply talk to your GP about arranging one.

What Happens if Your Cholesterol Levels are High?

If your cholesterol levels are higher than they should be, your doctor will ascertain a target level of cholesterol, taking into account factors such as age and any existing health conditions. You may be prescribed some medication to help lower your cholesterol, such as statins, aspirin or niacin, and it’s likely that you’ll be advised to make some changes to your diet.

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, and want to find out more about your current levels, arrange an appointment with your GP.