Cholesterol

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.

See what causes high cholesterol

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What are triglycerides?

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. 

Read more about triglycerides

Download our booklets 

Download our free booklets for children and adults about cholesterol and living with cholesterol conditions. 

Download our booklets

Some people will need treatments to manage their cholesterol

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.

Learn more about treatments

Find specialist services on our interactive lipid clinic map

Lipid clinic map

Genetic conditions 

High cholesterol and your genes

Sometimes high cholesterol and triglycerides are caused by inherited conditions that are passed down through families. 

See the inherited cholesterol conditions

Take a look at our webinars all about cholesterol

Watch the webinars

FH can affect the whole family

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.  

RiannaRianna’s story

Just before her 12th birthday, seconds after finishing a cross country run, Rianna’s heart stopped beating.

Read her story

 

What is HDL cholesterol ('good cholesterol')? 

Find out