The British Heart Foundation has found that very few people monitor or are even concerned about the dangers of having high cholesterol, yet research shows that 70% of people over 45 have raised cholesterol.
Two-thirds of adults in Britain have a blood cholesterol level above the recommended 5 mmol/l or below; men in England have an average level of 5.5 mmol/l and women 5.6 mmol/l.
Nearly half of all deaths (54%) from Cholesterol and heart disease in Britain are due to raised cholesterol.
For all the warnings we hear about it, cholesterol is actually a naturally occurring substance that our bodies need to function properly.
The problem comes when we have too much of it. Or more specifically, too much of the wrong kind.
Cholesterol is produced by our liver. Among other things it helps keep all the body’s cells in good working order.
In a person with the right levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol, it is circulated round the body in the bloodstream and any excess taken back into the liver to be broken down harmlessly.
But with too much bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, fatty deposits can form on the walls of our arteries and blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing our risk of coronary heart disease.
Levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol tend to rise when we eat too much fat. Particularly saturated fat.
That’s why we’re advised to cut down on fatty meat, pastries, sweets and to up our intake of fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fish, all of which help reduce the amount of LDL inside us
Doing a home cholesterol check is a straightforward process, taken with a finger prick sample of your blood.
Whats in this kit?
Quickly check cholesterol level in blood at home. There are 2 tests and 2 lancets included in this kit, allowing for a repeat test, if required or for use on more than one person.
Includes two tests, colour chart and two lancets.
CE safety approved.
Two tests in a pack