By Tim Gray, Consultant Cardiologist 

October marks  National Cholesterol Month, a dedicated campaign to raise awareness of cholesterol and its impact on cardiovascular health. As a cardiologist, I welcome this opportunity to share key facts, statistics and practical steps we can all take to “be the boss of your cholesterol.” 

 

What is cholesterol — and why does it matter? 

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood. It plays a vital role in cell function, hormone production and digestion.   However, when cholesterol (especially LDL cholesterol) builds up in arterial walls, it contributes to plaque formation, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other circulatory conditions. 

Because high cholesterol usually causes no obvious symptoms, many people are unaware their levels are elevated.   

 

The scale of the problem 

• In the UK, 1 in 2 adults  have high cholesterol.   

• That means a substantial proportion of the adult population is at increased risk of cardiovascular disease if other risk factors (such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, diabetes) are also present. 

These figures underscore why cholesterol screening is so important — it allows intervention before irreversible damage occurs. 

Know your numbers: testing and targets 

The only way to know your cholesterol is via a blood test. 
As your cardiologist, I often refer to the following: 

• LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol): we aim to keep this as low as feasibly possible, especially in individuals with cardiovascular disease or high risk. 

• HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol): higher levels are generally protective. 

• Total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol are also useful indices. 

• Triglycerides are another blood fat to monitor. 

Target levels depend on individual risk (age, existing disease, family history), but for many at risk, LDL values of  below 2.6 mmol/L (or lower, depending on guidelines) are desirable. 

 

Causes and risk factors 

Several factors can raise cholesterol levels: 

• Genetic predisposition — some individuals inherit a tendency to high cholesterol. 

• Diet — high intake of saturated fat, trans fats and ultra-processed foods. 

• Physical inactivity. 

• Excess weight / obesity. 

• Other conditions — such as diabetes, kidney disease and hypothyroidism. 

It’s important to note that even lean or young individuals may have high cholesterol if the genetic risk is present.   

What you can do — small changes, big impact 

During National Cholesterol Month, is promoting their  1-2-3-4-5 Food Challenge, which encourages introducing one new cholesterol-friendly habit each week throughout October.   

Practical strategies include: 

1. Choose healthier fats — opt for unsaturated fats (e.g. olive oil, nuts, oily fish), and reduce saturated fat from processed meats and full-fat dairy.
2. Increase fibre — especially soluble fibre (from oats, barley, legumes) which helps to reduce LDL cholesterol. 
3. Plant sterols / stanols — certain fortified foods can modestly reduce cholesterol. 
4. Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active — exercise helps lipid metabolism. 
5. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, manage blood pressure and glucose. 

Close monitoring and regular review with your GP or cardiologist can guide whether further interventions (like statin therapy or newer lipid-lowering agents) are needed. 

In summary 

National Cholesterol Month is a timely reminder that high cholesterol is common yet largely silent. But it doesn’t have to be inevitable or uncontrollable. By knowing your numbers, understanding your risk, and adopting sustainable lifestyle changes — potentially combined with medical therapy when necessary — you can take charge of your heart health. 

If you have concerns about cholesterol, or wish to undergo testing or personalised management, do seek advice from your GP or a specialist in cardiovascular care. 

Let October be the month you become the boss of your cholesterol. 

 

– Tim Gray, Consultant Cardiologist

See more Cardiology at Enigma Healthcare.