A deadly health problem is one of the top killers across the UK - with 120,000 Brits unaware they have it.   The NHS confirmed that the whopping number of people in the UK have undiagnosed and untreated high cholesterol.   

 High amounts of cholesterol in the blood could clump together and block the passageway of blood needed for the brain or heart.  Should not enough blood reach the brain, brain cells die, which is known as a stroke.

 If there is not enough blood that reaches the heart muscle, the heart cells die, which is known as a heart attack.

 "High cholesterol, on its own, doesn't usually cause any symptoms but increases your risk of serious health conditions," the NHS said.  Too much cholesterol also puts you at risk of developing a blood clot within the body.

 What causes too much cholesterol in the blood?

The liver creates cholesterol as, in small amounts, cholesterol is needed for the body's cells.

 However, an unhealthy diet full of saturated fat could cause the level of cholesterol in the body to be too high.

 Other factors also lead to high cholesterol, such as:

  • Smoking
  • Having diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of stroke or heart disease.

 Your cholesterol levels could be checked by a simple blood test at the doctor's office or at your local pharmacy.  As a general guide, total cholesterol levels should be 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults.   The medical physician will talk through your results with you and will let you know if you have high cholesterol.

 If you are told you have high cholesterol, but do not need medication, there are things you must do to ensure you don't end up on statins.  One of the most important things you can do for your health is to give up smoking if you are a smoker.  

 The next best thing is to eat a healthy, balanced diet, that is low in saturated fats.  This means you should cut down on fatty foods, such as:

  • Fatty cuts of meat
  • Sausages and pies
  • Butter, ghee, and lard
  • Cheese
  • Cream, soured cream and ice cream
  • Cheese crackers
  • Chocolate confectionery
  • Biscuits, cakes, and pastries.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes, five times per week, is also encouraged; and these measures even apply if you do get prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A deadly health problem with 120,000 Brits unaware they have it.