October is National Cholesterol month.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, vital for good health. It helps form cell membranes, various hormones, bile and vitamin D. We get some cholesterol from our diet but most is made in our liver.
What causes high cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels are affected by your family history, age, your lifestyle, some medicines and medical conditions. You are more likely to have unhealthy levels of cholesterol if:
• Close family have high cholesterol
• Your diet is high in saturated fat
• You are not physically active
• You drink too much, or you smoke
• You carry too much weight around your middle
Why should I lower my cholesterol?
Having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of:
- Narrowing of the arteries
- Angina
- A heart attack
- Coronary heart disease
- A stroke
- A TIA or mini stroke
- Peripheral artery/vascular disease (PAD or PVD)
For more information about cholesterol please see the following links:
- Understanding Cholesterol
- For Good Cholesterol Levels
- https://www.heartuk.org.uk/news/latest/post/140-looking-for-a-challenge-this-october
- https://www.heartuk.org.uk/news/latest/post/139-heart-uk-partner-with-anytime-fitness
- https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/5f3149865ef8ac0014a69492/q/1
- Heart UK Cholesterol Booklet