cholesterol that is already present in animal foods you might consume (mainly in dairy products, meat, egg yolks, offal and shellfish). A diet high in saturated fat stimulates the liver to produce more cholesterol so the saturated fat content of the food you eat is likely to have a strong influence on your blood cholesterol levels.Ī small proportion of your blood cholesterol is derived from dietary cholesterol - i.e. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol circulating in your blood. This risk of a cardiovascular health event increases when high blood cholesterol is accompanied by other risk factors such as high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease. More than half of New Zealanders admitted to hospital with a heart attack have high cholesterol levels. This process is known as atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. However, when there is more cholesterol circulating in the blood than the body needs, it can build up on your artery walls, eventually leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. It is essential for your good health as it helps to build cell walls and is used in the manufacture of some hormones. General information and causesĬholesterol is a white, waxy substance that is circulated in the blood. The condition doesn't have any obvious symptoms so blood tests are required to confirm if a person has high blood cholesterol.Ĭhanges to diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle changes can reduce cholesterol levels In some cases, people with persistent high blood cholesterol may be treated with cholesterol-lowering medication. Too much of it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in your blood.
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