Blame it on our rich diets and sedentary lifestyles, but two in three adults in the UK have a cholesterol level that’s in excess of the 5 millimole/litre recommendation of the government. In England, men, on average, have a level of 5.5, and women 5.6, according to the NHS. Cholesterol is a type of fat present in the blood that is essential to the smooth running of the body – for instance, it enables nerve impulses to work properly. However, high concentrations of it can cause narrowing of the arteries, heart attacks and strokes.

Anyone aged 35 or over should have their cholesterol measured if they have one or more of the following risk factors: a family history of early heart disease; diabetes; high blood pressure; they smoke. If found to be high, annual checks are sensible.

You often hear about good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. This is a misnomer and refers to two types of protein that carry cholesterol around the body. Bad cholesterol (known as LDL) takes cholesterol from the liver to the body’s cells where it can be damaging when present in large amounts. It can be the result of a diet high in saturated fats and foods such as cheese. Lack of exercise may make it worse. Good cholesterol (HDL) is increased by a diet rich in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and oily fish. It prevents artery damage by LDL by carrying cholesterol back to the liver.

If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol (usually a reflection of LDL levels) you should first consider changing your diet and take regular exercise. Avoid fatty meats and full-fat dairy products, though the odd indulgence is acceptable. Soluble fibre helps lower cholesterol levels and is found in oats and fresh fruit and vegetables. You can’t really have too much good cholesterol but certain foods that contain HDL can be fatty too, such as some nuts, so take care. Do not eat more than 3g per day.

If a sensible diet and exercise don’t work then your doctor may prescribe statins, which block enzymes that play a key role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Such medication should be monitored closely since potential side effects include muscle pains, indigestion and fatigue.

TAKING IT FURTHER

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This NHS site explains about good and bad cholesterol

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The British Heart Foundation site has information on how to lower your cholesterol

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See Delia Smith’s take on a low cholesterol diet

Effects on the body

1 Clogged arteries
Too much cholesterol can cause the arteries to become blocked by a build-up of fat. Quitting smoking, losing weight and exercising Reduced more are ways to blood counter this flowow

2 The dangers
High cholesterol levels can lead to a stroke, heart attacks and other problems including erectile dysfunction in some men