Did you know that 2 in 5 people in the UK have high cholesterol? That’s millions of people at increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and around 6.5 million are already on medication to lower it. But the good news? There’s plenty you can do to protect yourself.
Let’s break it down — what is cholesterol, why does it matter, and how can you keep your levels within the recommended range?
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that your liver naturally produces, and it plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning properly. It travels through your bloodstream and is used for things like building cells and producing hormones.
But here’s the catch: too much cholesterol in your blood can be a problem.
There are two main types:
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called the “good” cholesterol. It helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as the “bad” cholesterol. When there’s too much of this one, it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Another important factor is triglycerides, the most common type of fat in the body. Triglycerides store excess energy from the food you eat. High levels of triglycerides combined with high LDL or low HDL levels can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries, which is not ideal for heart health.
What causes high cholesterol?
In most cases, high cholesterol is linked to lifestyle choices. Here are some of the biggest contributors:
Poor diet – Especially one high in saturated or trans fats (think fried food, processed snacks, and fatty meats).
Obesity – A BMI of 30 or more can significantly increase your risk.
Lack of exercise – Regular physical activity can help boost your HDL levels.
Smoking – Smoking lowers your HDL cholesterol.
Excess alcohol – Drinking too much can raise your total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Symptoms? There Aren’t Any
One of the sneaky things about high cholesterol is that it doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get it checked, especially if you have a family history of heart problems or high cholesterol.
How to Reduce Your Risk
The great news is that lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to keep your cholesterol under control:
Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats
Exercise regularly — even a brisk walk each day helps
Quit smoking if you do — your heart will thank you
Limit alcohol — less is more when it comes to heart health
Maintain a healthy weight — even small weight loss can have a big impact
Your heart is worth it.