High Cholesterol

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication for treatment of high cholesterol, and work by blocking the enzyme responsible for the production of cholesterol in your liver. The NHS guidance is that statins treatment could benefit those with low cholesterol as well  

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What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is considered a plague of the West. However cholesterol is an essential component of the body’s normal function. Cholesterol is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is transported around the body by proteins, and this combination is called a lipoprotein. There are two important lipoproteins associated with high cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL carries cholesterol away from the liver to the cells that require it. If LDL levels are too high, excess cholesterol can be deposited leading to fatty material building around your artery walls. HDL carries cholesterol away from cells, back to your liver where it is then broken down. It is therefore beneficial to have high HDL levels. Both LDL and HDL, in addition to total cholesterol and triglycerides (also fatty substances) are determined through a simple cholesterol blood test.

Factors that contribute to high cholesterol

There are multiple factors that can lead to high cholesterol including: a diet high in saturated fat; lack of exercise; excessive alcohol intake; smoking; and kidney or liver disease. High cholesterol can also be an inherited condition, known as familial hypercholesterolaemia, and can occur regardless of how healthy your lifestyle is. High cholesterol alone will not result in any symptoms, but it contributes to serious medical conditions such as coronary heart disease and angina. It also increases the likelihood of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol treatments

Doctor Matt provides a range of medication belonging to the drug group ‘statins’. Statins work by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver, which leads to a reduction in cholesterol. Statins are the more effective than any other lipid-lowering drug at reducing LDL levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor in developing cardiovascular disease. Statins are effective in reducing cholesterol when combined with a low cholesterol diet. More information about reducing high cholesterol levels

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