Simple Definition:
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood. It is made by the liver and also comes from the food you eat.
No, high cholesterol does not cause symptoms. The only way to know is with a blood test.
Eggs contain cholesterol, but for most people they do not raise blood cholesterol much. Saturated and trans fats in processed foods are more likely to increase cholesterol levels.
Not always. Sometimes lifestyle changes are enough. Your doctor will decide if medicine is needed based on your cholesterol level and other risk factors.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood. It is made by the liver and also comes from the food you eat. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, make hormones, and help with digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol itself is not bad. Problems happen when levels get out of balance. If there is too much of the harmful type, it can build up in the arteries and make them narrower, stopping blood from flowing properly.
Yes. There are two main types that doctors talk about.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called “bad cholesterol”. This is because it can stick to the walls of arteries and form fatty deposits known as plaque. Over time, this makes the arteries hard and narrow, a process called atherosclerosis.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good cholesterol”. It helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed. Higher levels of HDL can protect against heart disease.
Doctors also measure triglycerides, which are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels combined with high LDL and low HDL can raise the risk of health problems even more.
High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. But over time, fatty deposits (plaque) can build up in the arteries, making them stiffer and narrower. This increases the risk of serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The danger is that cholesterol can silently damage the arteries for years before any problems appear. That is why testing and prevention are so important.
The only way to know your cholesterol level is with a blood test. This can be a finger-prick test in a clinic or a sample taken from your arm. The test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
In the UK, adults are usually advised to have their cholesterol checked every five years, or more often if they have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Doctors usually look at the balance between LDL and HDL rather than just the total number. A healthy total cholesterol level is generally considered to be 5 mmol/L or less. LDL should ideally be 3 mmol/L or less, while HDL should be 1 mmol/L or above.
Targets may be stricter for people who already have heart disease, diabetes, or other risks.
Yes, in many cases cholesterol can be lowered through lifestyle changes. Eating less saturated fat, such as fatty meat, butter, and processed foods, helps. Choosing more fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and oily fish is beneficial.
Regular exercise can raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. Losing weight, cutting down on alcohol, and stopping smoking also make a big difference.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines called statins may be prescribed. Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and are proven to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other medicines such as ezetimibe or newer injectable drugs may also be used.
Anyone can have high cholesterol, but some groups are more at risk. People with unhealthy diets, those who are overweight, or who do little exercise are more likely to develop it. Family history, increasing age, and certain medical conditions also raise the risk.
Men tend to have higher cholesterol earlier in life, while women’s risk rises after menopause.
In many cases, yes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking are the most effective steps. Keeping to a healthy weight and having regular cholesterol checks also help. Even small changes, like walking more, eating less processed food, and drinking less alcohol, can lower cholesterol levels.
Untreated high cholesterol increases the risk of fatty deposits building up in the arteries. This can lead to angina, heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. The longer cholesterol stays high, the more damage it can do. That is why early testing and treatment are important.
For many people, managing high cholesterol simply means adopting healthier habits. Medicines may also be needed, especially if other risk factors are present. With treatment, most people can reduce their risk and live full, active lives.
Monitoring is ongoing. Regular check-ups with a GP, staying on top of medicines, and keeping a healthy lifestyle all form part of long-term care.
Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits. It often causes angina and can lead to heart attacks if untreated. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and poor lifestyle habits.
Although it cannot be cured, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes procedures like stents or bypass surgery. Early diagnosis, prevention, and long-term care are key to reducing risks and improving quality of life.
Disclaimer: Seonat provides general health information for educational purposes only. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition or before making health decisions.
Simplifying health information for those who need it most
Please note: we are not medical professionals, and the content on this website is for general information only. Always speak to a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice.