Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance which your body uses to make cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D. All the cholesterol that our bodies need is actually produced in the liver, however we get additional cholesterol from the food that we eat. Cholesterol, along with other fats, are carried in our blood stream in lipoproteins (spherical particles). If there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can combine with other substances and form plaque, this can stick to the walls of the arteries. This build up of plaque is called atherosclerosis and can cause the arteries to become narrow and potentially blocked (coronary artery disease). Another problem can arise if an area of plaque build up breaks open, as a blood clot can form on the surface and depending how large it gets, it can partially or fully block the artery.

When blood flow in an artery is blocked or lessened, it means that the place it was travelling to will be deprived of oxygen rich blood. For example if it is an artery to the heart, it can cause angina or a heart attack. If it is an artery to the brain, it could cause a stroke or carotid artery disease. If it is an artery to a limb, it could cause peripheral artery disease.

So what causes high cholesterol?

A big factor is lifestyle. Eating too much saturated fat causes the liver to find it more difficult to remove cholesterol so it builds up in the blood. Being physically inactive, when we exercise our level of ‘good cholesterol’ is raised and reduces ‘bad cholesterol’. Smoking also causes high cholesterol as tar builds up in the arteries and cholesterol will stick to the tar.

Our general health also has a role to play. People who have kidney disease can be more prone to high cholesterol as when the kidneys do not work as well as they should, it changes the way the body handles cholesterol which can lead to a higher level. Similarly, liver disease can cause high cholesterol as the liver is unable to clear excess cholesterol from the body. Being overweight, especially with a lot of fat around your middle, being type 2 diabetic, having an underactive thyroid and growth hormone deficiency all can cause high cholesterol.

There are some causes which cannot be prevented. Males tend to be more prone to high cholesterol, as are people from a south Asian ethnic background. We also naturally have more cholesterol as we get older. Sometimes it can be inherited, familial hypercholesterolaemia is a condition some people are born with. It is often passed down through families in faulty genes. With this a person can have high levels of cholesterol even if they do not have any other risk factors.

Treatment for high cholesterol usually starts with trying get rid of any risk factors which can be resolved. For example people will be given advice to stop smoking, lose weight if necessary, lessen alcohol intake, become more active, and make dietary changes. If this isn’t enough to lower your cholesterol to a safe level, then a doctor may give medication, the most common treatment being statins. Your cholesterol level should then be monitored yearly with a blood test.

So where Should I Get a Cholesterol Blood Test UK?

It is important to note that having high cholesterol will not cause any symptoms. The only way to find out is with a blood test. Wizard Clinics offer a cholesterol blood test which can be done in one of our clinics. We can also offer a Health Check which will include a blood test for cholesterol level (as well as others) and a clinician will be able to go through a number of tests and questions to give you an idea of your risk of developing high cholesterol and certain other diseases.

Blood Test results will be received via email within 48 hours, after being reviewed by a private GP. You may then take your results to your own GP if you so wish.