Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease
It is important to keep cholesterol levels within a healthy range so that you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other related serious conditions. Each day, a total of 20 Australians die of a heart attack. It is important to keep cholesterol levels within a healthy range so that you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other related serious conditions. Cholesterol is produced naturally by your body and also derived from the food you eat.
The two most common types of cholesterol are LDL “bad” and HDL “good” cholesterol. In addition, triglycerides are the most common fat in the body. High triglyceride levels and either increased LDL cholesterol or decreased HDL cholesterol can increase fatty build-up in the arteries.
Symptoms of high cholesterol are generally absent. If left untreated, serious health conditions can thus arise. The importance of regular blood tests and health checks is therefore emphasised, especially if there is a family history of high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides.