National Cholesterol Awareness Month

October is National Cholesterol Awareness month, and with almost half of UK adults living with elevated cholesterol levels, it’s important for people to be aware of the dangers of high cholesterol.

This month is also home to World Stroke Day, and as a key risk factor that can contribute to the cause of a stroke, what better time to raise awareness about cholesterol than now?

What is cholesterol?

First things first, what is cholesterol? To put it simply, cholesterol is a type of fat that is made in the liver, and is found in some foods, too. It circulates in your blood and performs various important functions, including supporting the body’s production of Vitamin D.

Whilst everybody needs cholesterol in their bodies, having too much can clog up and narrow arteries and lead to further health issues, such as heart disease and strokes.

What does cholesterol do?

Whilst many people think of the negative complications that come with having high cholesterol, it is often forgotten that cholesterol actually plays an important role in how our bodies, brain, nerves and skin work.

There are three main jobs of cholesterol: it’s used to make vitamin D, keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy, as well as bile, which helps to digest fats. Finally, it makes up a part of the outer layer of all your cells.

There are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL.

LDL cholesterol is known as the bad cholesterol as it can clog up arteries and lead to further health problems, and although we all need a little LDL cholesterol in our blood, too much of it is a problem.

HDL cholesterol is the positive cholesterol that helps prevent disease by carrying cholesterol back to your liver by being broken down.

What causes high cholesterol?

There are a number of things that can contribute to high cholesterol, but the good news is, that some of these are entirely preventable.

A diet that is high in saturated fats, such as dairy, cakes, fatty meats and processed foods can all lead to high cholesterol.

As well as low activity and not being active enough, there are various genetic and medical conditions that can also be the cause of high cholesterol.

The menopause can also cause an increase in cholesterol levels, meaning that you also have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. The menopause can cause many changes in a woman’s body, and many new symptoms arise, meaning it’s important to get checked regularly by a GP or health provider as and when things change or new symptoms develop.

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t typically cause any symptoms unless it is severe, meaning the only way to find out is from a blood test.

However, symptoms of high cholesterol may include:

• Sore hands or feet and a tingling sensation
• Chest pain, headaches and fatigue
• Lumps, fatty deposits and memory issues

High cholesterol can cause headaches, and other symptoms that are common in various other conditions. With this in mind, it’s important to keep a note of how regular you are experiencing these symptoms and if they are appearing much more than normal.

How to prevent high cholesterol

As previously mentioned, high cholesterol can be prevented in many cases – or at the very least, positive lifestyle changes can contribute to lowering cholesterol to a much safer level.

Leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the key factor when it comes to reducing cholesterol levels.

Firstly, it is advised to reduce your intake of fatty and processed foods and ensure your high cholesterol diet is well-rounded and filled with foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, wholegrain and whole wheat carbohydrates as well as oily fish.

Increasing the amount of exercise is also a great way to lower cholesterol levels. Whether it’s walking, swimming or cycling, the key is to find a way of exercising that you enjoy and that you will maintain.

If you smoke, drink alcohol or larger amounts of caffeine, this can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels, so reducing these elements of your lifestyle is a great way to keep it a more balanced level.

In the cases where high cholesterol is caused due to other health, medical or genetic conditions, then your GP or health care provide may advise medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Where to get a cholesterol test

If you believe you are at an increased risk of living with high cholesterol, then it is best to speak with your GP, care provider or care worker and ask for a blood test.

If you are already at risk of increased cholesterol due to your lifestyle or health conditions, then your health care provider should offer regular blood tests.

For example, if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes or if you have been previously diagnosed with a heart-related health condition, have a family history of heart disease, have a close family member with cholesterol-related issues, then your GP or care provider should recommend a blood test.

For more information on Radis and the support on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.