Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in the body. Too much cholesterol is associated with an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is carried around the body by proteins. The LDL (low density lipoprotein) or ‘bad cholesterol’ is harmful. The HDL (high density lipoprotein) or ‘good cholesterol’ is protective. A high level of LDL is associated with eating too much saturated fat but also may occur as an inherited abnormality. Physical activity is known to improve levels of the ‘good cholesterol’ HDL. Deciding whether to treat high cholesterol requires an overall assessment of cardiovascular risk. More accurate personalised assessment of risk can be obtained with a CT calcium score of the coronary arteries which now assists greatly in decisions regarding the use of statin therapy.
For more information visit the British Heart Foundation