What is cholesterol?

Having high levels of bad cholesterol types in your blood can contribute to your chances of developing heart disease. High levels of bad cholesterol can affect your artery walls because of the build-up of the fatty substance. The level of risk is dictated by the type and level of cholesterol that you might have.

The British Heart Foundation say that there are multiple factors that can contribute to a person having high levels of cholesterol.

They include;

• Drinking alcohol regularly and in high volumes
• Not exercising
• Smoking
• Eating high levels of fat
• Having kidney or liver disease

Risk factors are;

• Risk of stroke
• Risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of blood clots developing
• Increase risk of narrowing arteries

You can help reduce the high cholesterol in your blood by;

• Reduce fatty food intake
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Giving up smoking
• Reduce saturated fat intake and have more fruit and vegetables instead

If you are concerned speak to your GP about cholesterol levels and if you are worried that you have high cholesterol. Your GP will be able to advise you on any next steps to take.

 

Sources of information: https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-cholesterol  and http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cholesterol/Pages/Introduction.aspx