What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a blood fat which plays a vital role in how all of our cells work. It's also needed for digestion, to make Vitamin D, and to make hormones which keep your bones strong. Learn more.
We need cholesterol in our blood to stay healthy, it's when it gets too high that it's a problem. High cholesterol can lead to health problems in the future, and the only way to know you have it is to get a cholesterol test.
This video helps to explain all about cholesterol and triglycerides, how to understand your test results and the steps you can take to help manage your levels.
Whenever you find out about your cholesterol levels, you should also find out about your triglycerides.
Triglycerides are another type of blood fat. If they become too high in the blood, this can raise the risk of heart disease and other illnesses.
Download our free booklets for children and adults about cholesterol and living with cholesterol conditions.
There are different types of medicines and treatments available to help you manage the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.
Statins are the most widely used medicine, but there are other types too. They all tend to work best when you eat well and keep active.
You might be referred to a lipid clinic where experts in blood fats can find the best treatment for you.
Sometimes high cholesterol and triglycerides are caused by inherited conditions that are passed down through families.
FH is an inherited condition, which means that parents can pass the gene on to their children. It’s natural to feel worried and have lots of questions. Have a look at the links on the right to start to find some answers.
Just before her 12th birthday, seconds after finishing a cross country run, Rianna’s heart stopped beating.
You may have questions about what FH means for your children. We look at getting a test, healthy living and other treatments.
Living with FH means you can still be fit and healthy. We have lots of tips and information on keeping active and healthy eating.