High Cholesterol

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How is high cholesterol defined?

Cholesterol consists of lipids, a fatty substance produced by the liver and derived from the fat in the food we eat. These lipids perform a very important function in your body, as they make up a big part of all the cell membranes in your body as well as isolating nerve fibres. They are also vital in the production of sex and steroid hormones and bile acids which are important in digestion and the absorption of fats.

'Good' and 'bad' cholesterol

Cholesterol can't move in the bloodstream on its own, but needs to be transported by molecules known as lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins, namely high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High levels of HDL are good for you, whereas high levels of LDL aren't good for you and can result in future health problems.

The reason for this classification is that LDL transports cholesterol to the cells to use. However, if there is too much cholesterol for the cells to use, it can build up in your blood and can cause your arteries to harden. HDL takes cholesterol away from the cells to the liver where it can be broken down and excreted.

What causes high cholesterol?

There are various factors that can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol, most of which are treatable and even preventable.

One of the main causes of high cholesterol are lifestyle factors including eating foods containing high levels of saturated fats such as red meat, pork sausages, hard cheese, butter, lard, pastry, cakes, biscuits and cream, etc. If you are obese or overweight you are more likely to have higher levels of LDL in your blood. Not exercising can also cause in increase in LDL levels.

Existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease or an underactive thyroid gland can all result in a rise of high cholesterol. Treating these conditions can often be helpful in reducing LDL levels.

Some people may be genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, something that is known as hypercholesterolaemia, which affects every one in 500 people. Blood cholesterol levels also increase with age.

What impact can high cholesterol have on your health?

A high level of ‘bad' cholesterol isn't a problem on its own but can cause many other health issues such as the narrowing of your arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack or stroke. If high cholesterol is allowed to build up and clog arteries it can prevent blood carrying oxygen from reaching your brain, heart and other parts of your body. It can also increase your risk of developing blood clots or coronary heart disease (blockage of blood supply to the heart).