Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death and disability in the UK, killing about 160,000 people each year, and high cholesterol a significant risk factor for it. According to NICE, high cholesterol affects up to 60% of all adults and leads to over 7% of all deaths in England each year.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the blood and is essential for the proper functioning of the body. However, when levels of cholesterol become too high, it can lead to a number of serious health problems.
What does it mean to have high cholesterol?
High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.
This can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. Some people are more at risk of developing high cholesterol than others. Those who are overweight or obese, have a family history of high cholesterol, or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure are more likely to develop high cholesterol.
High cholesterol and health problems
One of the major health problems associated with high cholesterol is the development of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, forming a substance called plaque. This plaque can eventually harden and narrow the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through. This can lead to a number of serious conditions, including heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol can also increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease, which can lead to pain and numbness in the legs, as well as an increased risk of amputation.
High cholesterol can also contribute to the development of fatty liver disease, which is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver, and can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Can high cholesterol be treated?
The good news is that high cholesterol can be treated and managed through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, as well as cholesterol, can help to lower cholesterol levels. Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help to lower cholesterol. Medications such as statins can also be prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels.
It’s important to have regular blood test to check your cholesterol levels, especially if you are at risk of developing high cholesterol. By identifying high cholesterol early and taking steps to manage it, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease.
How to Book a Cholesterol Blood test with Goodbody Clinic
Here at Goodbody Clinic, we can provide Cholesterol blood tests to understand your current cholesterol levels, and whether you are at increased risk of serious health conditions due to high cholesterol.
We offer Cholesterol blood tests that are the same as you would have with your doctor or GP. Simply book a 15 minute appointment at one of our nationwide clinics to have a small blood sample taken from a vein in your arm by a professional clinician, and analysed at a specialist UK laboratory. Results are confidentially emailed to you within 3-5 days with a doctor’s commentary explaining the findings.
No time to visit a clinic, or no clinics nearby? Our home blood test kit is posted through your door and requires just a small sample of blood from your finger, which you then post to the laboratory for analysis. This is analysed in the same way as our in-clinic test, providing a complete report via email, with doctor’s commentary, within 3-5 days.
The main benefit of a home blood test kit is the convenience of taking the sample when it suits you, from the comfort of your home. Using only a small medical lancet, you can obtain a suitable blood sample without the need for needles or appointments.
Find out more and book your local, in-clinic appointment, or order a home test kit at https://health.goodbodyclinic.com/product/cholesterol-blood-test/
