Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance found naturally in the blood. Cholesterol is also known as a lipid. Lipids are essential in maintaining good health and normal bodily functions. However, when the levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high, it can have a negative effect on our health. If cholesterol levels in the blood are too high then it can stick and build up in the artery walls. This build up can start to restrict the blood flow through the arteries, potentially starving the heart, brain and rest of the body of blood supply and hence, oxygen. This restriction can lead to heart disease, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol is transported around the body by proteins in your blood. Combined they are called lipoproteins. The two main types of lipoproteins are known as:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – LDL is sometimes referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’. This is because the LDL carries cholesterol away from the liver, delivering it to the cells that require it. If there’s an excess amount for the cells to use then the remaining cholesterol begins to build up in the artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – HDL is also known as ‘good cholesterol’. This is because HDL carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. After being taken to the liver it will either be broken down or removed from the body as a waste product.

High cholesterol (which actually refers to high levels of LDL) can be caused by a number of factors. These include:

• Eating an unhealthy diet
• Being physically inactive or over weight
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Family medical history
• Having diabetes or high blood pressure
• Age

Keeping a healthy lifestyle is a key way of preventing or reducing high cholesterol. There are a number of changes you can make:

• Diet – improving your diet can reduce the amount of cholesterol that comes into your body from the food you eat. Try to follow a balanced diet, whilst reducing your intake of saturated fat.
• Exercise – aim to do some type of physical activity every day
• Stop smoking – this can improve your cholesterol levels and have many other health benefits at the same time. For more information on how to stop smoking you can speak to your GP, visit https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/
• Alcohol – try to reduce your alcohol consumption or keep consumption within the recommended limits.