Almost half of UK adults have raised cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. While cholesterol is essential for our health, problems arise when levels become too high. Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, the only way to know if you have it is through a cholesterol test.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of blood fat which is made in the liver. It’s found in some foods too.
We all need some cholesterol in our bodies just to keep us ticking over, but having too much can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems in the future, including heart disease.
By getting a simple cholesterol test and making healthy lifestyle changes, most people can keep their cholesterol levels healthy.
Why do we need Cholesterol?
There is cholesterol in every cell in your body. It plays vital roles in how your body works, and it’s especially important in your brain, nerves and skin.
Cholesterol has three main jobs:
- It’s part of the outer layer, or membrane, of all your cells.
- It’s used to make vitamin D and steroid hormones which keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
- It’s used to make bile, which helps to digest the fats you eat.
What about the different types of cholesterol?
There are different types of cholesterol which have different effects in the body. You might hear your healthcare professional talk about LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, which are the two main types.
LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is often called ‘bad cholesterol’ because too much of it can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems later on, such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. You do need some LDL cholesterol in your blood. It’s when there’s too much that it’s a problem.
HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is often called ‘good cholesterol’ because it carries cholesterol away from your cells, back to your liver to be broken down. So, it helps prevent disease.
What raises your cholesterol?
Your cholesterol and triglycerides can become raised for a number of reasons. For example:
- a diet high in saturated fats
- not being active enough, so the fats you eat aren’t used up for energy
- genetic conditions which mean the fats aren’t processed in the usual way
- other medical conditions.
If you would like to book in for a cholesterol test, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team at Palace Gate Practice on 020 7244 5800.
Our team of expert GPs can also organise further cardiovascular screening and discuss your wider cardiovascular health.