Understanding Cholesterol

Key Information

• Cholesterol is a type of fat that is naturally present in your blood and is essential for keeping your body's cells healthy. However, too much of it can cause problems.
• The most important thing to know is that high cholesterol usually has no symptoms. The only way to know your levels is with a simple blood test.
• Over time, 'bad' (non-HDL) cholesterol can build up in your artery walls. This can narrow them and significantly increase your risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
• If your cholesterol is found to be high, please don't panic. There are effective ways to manage it.

What Happens Next?

Because high cholesterol has no symptoms, getting tested is vital. A simple blood test is all it takes to check your levels. Click the link below to book your blood test.

Understanding your cholesterol is a key part of looking after your long-term heart and brain health.

Further Information

For more detailed information about high cholesterol, please visit the official NHS website.

Last reviewed: 13 September 2025
Next review due: 13 September 2028