More than half of UK adults are living with a silent but potentially lethal condition, according to the latest data from Public Health England. The figures reveal that 59% of adults have elevated cholesterol levels, a figure that jumps to 72% for those aged between 45 and 64.
If left unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to serious heart complications, including heart attacks. Claire Nevinson, Boots superintendent pharmacist, has shared some advice on how to manage and even prevent this issue.
She explains what high cholesterol is and how to tackle it. High cholesterol, she says, means ‘you have too much cholesterol in your blood. There are different types of cholesterol, usually referred to as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol’.
Having an excess of “bad” cholesterol can be harmful to your health, as it can clog your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attacks or strokes.
As for what causes high cholesterol, there are several risk factors, some controllable and others not. Lifestyle factors, such as a diet rich in saturated fats, can make it more difficult for your liver to remove excess cholesterol, reports Gloucestershire Live.
A sedentary way of life could push up the levels of harmful cholesterol, with experts citing physical activity as a means to bolster ‘good’ cholesterol and pare down the ‘bad’. Claire said: “Not leading an active lifestyle can also cause the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood to rise. Being physically active can help you increase the level of ‘good’ cholesterol and lower the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood.”
There are factors beyond our control that may predispose us to high cholesterol, such as family history. Experts warn that Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that can dramatically hike up one’s cholesterol levels.
“There are some risk factors for high cholesterol that we can’t control, like our genetics. Familial Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition which can make your cholesterol levels extremely high,” Claire continued.
This genetic condition can trickle down through lineages harbouring the mutation that sparks the illness. Furthermore, certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism, can further heighten cholesterol risk.
“It can be passed down from generation to generation in families where the genetic mutation responsible for the disease is present. Not only do lifestyle and genetic factors affect the risk for high cholesterol, but certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism can also increase the risk,” she said.
What can be done to keep this potential threat at bay?
The expert’s advice centres around diet choices that reduce cholesterol: “If you are at risk or have high cholesterol, there are things you can do to help. Making smart choices in terms of diet can help lower cholesterol levels.”
Steer clear of saturated fats found in cakes, biscuits, and rich meats; also, ease back on cream, butter, and cheese. Instead, heart-healthy foods such as mackerel, salmon, wholegrain bread, and wholewheat pasta should take precedence in one’s meals, along with an assortment of fruit and vegetables.
“Try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat like cakes, biscuits, fatty meats and things like cream, butter and cheese. Instead, you should opt for foods like mackerel and salmon, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta. You should also try to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet,” Claire added.
And how does one ascertain their cholesterol level?
The narrative doesn’t end with speculation – the calling is for individuals to proactively get tested.
“There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol, so if you are concerned that you are at risk you should speak to your GP who may suggest a blood test to check cholesterol levels. There are also test kits that can be purchased from Boots, where a blood sample can be taken at home and sent off to a lab for the results,” said Claire.
“For those over the age of 40, have excess weight and where high cholesterol and heart conditions run in the family, I would advise booking in for an appointment with your GP, as it is useful to understand your overall health.”