According to Heart UK, 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol. Whilst it is a common health issue here, that’s not to say that it can’t be managed. National Cholesterol Month UK is marked annually in October. And it’s all about providing practical, workable advice on how to manage cholesterol levels. The bad news is that raised cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease. The good news is that cholesterol levels can be lowered.
What is Cholesterol, and what does it do?
Made in the liver, cholesterol is a variety of blood fat. Because it is found in some foods also, it can be taken in through what you eat. As you might expect, given that cholesterol is naturally produced in the body, a certain amount of it is essential for good health.
Every human body cell contains cholesterol. This substance plays particularly key roles in the nervous system and the skin. It plays three main roles. What are these roles?
- Forming the outer layer of all body cells
- Helping manufacture vitamin D and certain hormones which keep maintain bones, teeth and muscles
- Making bile, which is vital for digestion
Why is High Cholesterol a Problem?
If you have an excess of cholesterol in the blood, it can cause the arteries to become clogged. When arteries become clogged, health problems can be the result. In terms of cholesterol, one of the biggest health risks is heart disease.
What Can be Done About High Cholesterol?
Anyone can potentially have high cholesterol. Since high cholesterol cannot be physically felt, the only way to know your cholesterol levels for sure is with a blood test. You can easily get a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. If you want one, there are three main ways to get a test. You can get tested at a pharmacy, by a GP, or with a free test on the NHS Health Check scheme. Heart UK, the charity behind National Cholesterol Month UK, recommends that all adults undergo a cholesterol check.
By making lifestyle changes, most people can keep their cholesterol levels healthy. Many of these lifestyle changes relate to diet. As mentioned, your choice of food can significantly affect your cholesterol levels. The Heart UK website features plenty of information on both heart-healthy foods, and those foods which can actually reduce cholesterol!
Other recommended lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and getting more exercise.
Thanks for reading!