MILLIONS of people have been warned they could be walking around unaware they’re at risk of a silent killer.
Over half (three in five) of adults in England are living with the condition which can increase the risk of deadly heart diseases.
High cholesterol can lead to several heart disease including heart attacks and strokesGetty – Contributor
And according to the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT), many of these people are unaware they even have it.
Often dubbed a “silent killer” – high cholesterol can lead to several heart disease including heart attacks and strokes.
Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK – that’s more than 160,000 deaths each year.
What is normal cholesterol?
Cholesterol is the fatty substance that is carried in the blood to build healthy cells.
It’s made by the liver but found in certain foods, and high levels can increase your risk of serious health problems.
When cholesterol combines with protein to be carried in the blood, it is known as a lipoprotein.
There are two types of lipoprotein; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
What is the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol?
HDLs carry cholesterol away from cells and back to the liver where it can be broken down.
This is then used by the body or passed out as waste.
HDLs are known as “good cholesterol” and higher levels are considered better.
LDLs carry cholesterol to cells that require it, but if too much is delivered this can build up in artery walls, which can lead to heart disease.
LDLs are therefore known as “bad cholesterol”.
What’s the best way to lower cholesterol?
Cutting back cholesterol to the levels we were born with reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes by a third, a study found.
According to BANT there are a number of ways you can cut back, including:
Maintain a healthy diet which is low in fatty foodSwap saturated fat for fruit, veg and wholegrain cerealsGive up smokingTake regular exercise Read More