What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body produces naturally.  Many people think that cholesterol is bad for their health.  In fact, healthy levels are vital for normal functioning, making up an essential part of the cells in your body.  But many people can make too much cholesterol that can increase their risk of having a heart attack or stroke quite significantly.

High levels of cholesterol are also associated with lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in saturated fat, excessive alcohol use, lack of exercise and obesity.  High cholesterol is particularly dangerous if you already suffer from a serious health problem such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease.  And if you've already had a heart attack or stroke, then high cholesterol levels will significantly increase your risk of having another such event.

Now high cholesterol normally has no signs and symptoms.  You should seek advice about cholesterol management from your GP if you've got risk factors for a raised cholesterol level.  For example, if members of your immediate family have developed coronary heart disease before the age of 55 for a man or 65 for a woman.  If your family has a history of familial hypercholesterolemia, if you have diabetes, chronic kidney disease or heart disease, if you have high blood pressure, unstable angina or have already had a heart attack or stroke.  And finally, if you're a smoker or overweight and don't take regular exercise those are risk factors as well.