Cholesterol is a waxy substance, which is vital for cell membrane function and the body’s hormones.  Most of the body’s cholesterol is made in the liver but too much cholesterol is produced when the patient’s diet is rich in saturated fats.  There is also a strong genetic link to the production of cholesterol and high cholesterol often runs in families.

Blood tests can measure the levels of cholesterol and the test can be done easily in the pharmacy - all that is required is a small finger-prick blood sample

Common Terms: Total Cholesterol (TC) is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood at a given time.  The level should be 5.2 mmol/L or less. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is the so-called ‘good’ cholesterol as it helps to clear excess lipids from the arteries.  The higher this number, the better.  An HDL of 1.0 mmol/L or more is beneficial and considered a negative health factor.  HDL should always be measured when cardiac risk is being assessed. TC/HDL Ratio is a comparison of total cholesterol to the patients HDL cholesterol. A ratio of 4.5 or less is desirable.  The lower the ratio, the less risk the patient has of heart disease. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to the build-up of fat deposits in the arteries. Approximately 65% of the cholesterol in the blood is in the form of LDL.  An LDL level of less than 3.3 mmol/L is desirable. Triglycerides are composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Like cholesterol they circulate in the blood but are stored in body fat.  When you eat your triglyceride and glucose levels increase significantly.  Gradually – if your body processes the fat efficiently then the level of triglycerides will decrease.  Fasting triglycerides should be below 2.8 mmol/L.

Periodic Testing

HDL and LDL levels can be changed by taking regular exercise and by eating a healthy diet.  A healthy diet consists of foods which are high in fibre, grains, fruit, and vegetables.  Foods that should be avoided or eaten in small quantities are those that are high in saturated fat such as, butter, red meat, nuts, cream and egg yolks.

Our pharmacists and their staff can help patients to choose a diet that suits them and can also help them to monitor any weight loss.

 

Understanding Your Cholesterol

A number of factors can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.  To make an accurate assessment, our staff will determine the patient’s lipid profile, overall health, weight, blood pressure, diet and the amount of exercise they take and help them to reduce their risks with good, sound lifestyle advice.

Important Factors

• Smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths.  Smoking causes cancer, lung and heart disease as well as other health problems.  Smoking also lowers HDL and increases blood pressure.

Stopping smoking is the largest single step that you can take to improve your health and we can help you stop with therapeutic programmes and support.

• Family history is important in determining risk – as family history of heart attacks, for instance: male family members under 55 or female family members under 65 suggest that there is an increased risk in premature heat disease. (Framingham Study – Ref ???)

 

• Diabetes – particularly Type 2 (or late onset diabetes) is the most common and is often linked to older people and those who are overweight.  Other risk factors are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and low ‘good’ HDL.

• High blood pressure is usually linked to other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol and low ‘good’ HDL.  A desirable blood pressure is less than 140/85 mmHg.

 

• Obesity is usually expressed as Body Mass Index (BMI) and is measured by dividing the patient’s weight (in kilos or stones) by their height (in metres or feet and inches) squared.  An ideal BMI is considered to be between 20-25.

• The health benefits of regular exercise are well documented and can prevent coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, strokes and musculoskeletal disorders.  There are two types of physical fitness – aerobic and anaerobic and it is aerobic exercise that is linked to the reduction of heart attack risks.  Aerobic exercise relates to endurance, or the ability to exercise for more than 20 minutes non-stop.  Good examples are brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.

It is necessary to book an appointment for a full Cholesterol Assessment. The assessment is carried out by our fully trained staff and will be done so in total confidence in our private consultation rooms. Price: £19.99