People might have high cholesterol without being aware of it, says Heart UK – a charity committed to helping those affected by high cholesterol and promoting understanding of its effects on heart health. Heart UK’s website explains: “High cholesterol is very common, but most people don’t know they have it because it doesn’t usually have any symptoms.”

Many individuals may unknowingly have elevated cholesterol levels, according to Heart UK, an organization dedicated to supporting those with high cholesterol and spreading awareness about its impact on heart health. The Heart UK website notes, “High cholesterol is prevalent, but most individuals remain oblivious to it because it typically presents no symptoms.”

Heart UK explains, “Cholesterol exists in every cell of your body and plays crucial roles, particularly in your brain, nerves, and skin.” It’s essential to differentiate between HDL cholesterol, often referred to as ‘good cholesterol,’ and LDL cholesterol.

As Heart UK states, “LDL cholesterol is often labeled ‘bad cholesterol’ because an excess can clog arteries, leading to future health issues such as heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. While some LDL cholesterol is necessary, excessive amounts pose a problem.”

Genetics can influence high cholesterol, but lifestyle factors such as a diet high in fatty foods, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also contribute, as noted by the NHS.

Cholesterol’s ability to block blood vessels presents significant health risks. The health authority cautions, “Excessive cholesterol can obstruct your blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart problems or a stroke.”

To reduce cholesterol levels, individuals are encouraged to engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet, though medication may be necessary for some. Consulting with a GP is advisable for personalized advice, and any health concerns should be discussed with a qualified medical professional. Meanwhile, the NHS website provides guidance for those aiming to lower cholesterol through dietary adjustments.

Heart UK offers advice for reducing your intake of saturated fat, too. The charity recommends checking food labels to see how much fat they contain, comparing similar products as they may contain different amounts of fat, and baking, steaming, grilling or boiling foods instead of frying them. More advice is available on the charity’s website and the NHS website, reports Surrey Live.

The NHS advises eating more:

The NHS advises eating less:

The NHS advises exercise:

Aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week. The NHS says this could include swimming, cycling, and walking – try to walk fast enough to increase your heart rate. The NHS adds: “Try a few different exercises to find something you like doing. You’re more likely to keep doing it if you enjoy it.”

Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking can raise your cholesterol, increasing your risk of serious problems like heart attacks, strokes and cancer. If you want to stop smoking, you can get help and support from: your GP and the NHS Stop Smoking Service – your GP can refer you or you can ring the helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only). The service can give you useful tips and advice about ways to stop cravings.

The NHS offers advice on alcohol. It says try to avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week, have several drink-free days each week and avoid drinking lots of alcohol in a short time (binge drinking). Ask your GP for help and advice if you’re struggling to cut down.