26 27 28 Can we crack high cholesterol?

diets too,” he says, which on the surface look healthy, but are actually increasing chances of high cholesterol.

“For example, lots of people have started using coconut oil in their diet. We’ve seen patients’ cholesterol double after using this.

“But while poor diet and lifestyle is a reason for high cholesterol, there is also an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia or FH, which can cause high cholesterol even in someone who eats healthily, is slim and exercises regularly,” he adds.

Around one in 250 people has this condition, and it’s passed on by a “faulty” gene.

“In FH, cholesterol is double the normal from soon after birth, and if left untreated, can lead to early heart disease. Unfortunately, those with inherited high cholesterol only find out if a family member suffered early heart disease. For those with this type, they need early treatment with a high potency statin, which can reduce the LDL by at least half.” Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/l. Healthy adults should have total level of below 5 mmol/l.

“In people with early heart disease, around 75% of them will have high cholesterol,” says Dr Neely.

“My suggestion would be that if you have family members who’ve had early heart disease or similar, go and get yourself tested. Some pharmacies, like Boots can do it, but if you think you are at risk, ask your GP. “The work Heart UK does to raise awareness about this is vital – and the fundraising people do into research is too,” he says. “This might be known as the silent killer, but we want to shout about it from the rooftops.” If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, the best way to try and lower the levels is to eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise.

There are two main types of fat, saturated and unsaturated. Eating too many foods containing saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood.

Foods that are high in saturated fat include butter and lard, meat pies, cakes, biscuits and hard cheeses.

Try swapping these for foods that contain unsaturated fats, including oily fish like mackerel and salmon, nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and avocados. Heart UK calls these foods “cholesterol busters”.

Grilling, poaching and steaming your foods instead of roasting or frying can also help.

Adults should also aim for at least 30g o such vege skins

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