Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q What is cholesterol?

A Cholesterol is a naturally occurring chemical present as a soft waxy substance in all cells of the body. It is made primarily in the liver and small intestine and transported in the blood stream to other organs and tissues. Cholesterol is important for:

• Maintaining healthy cells
• Hormone synthesis
• Vitamin D synthesis

Q How do you get high Cholesterol?

A The main cause of high cholesterol is eating foods that contain a lot of saturated fat or cholesterol. There are also certain conditions where people inherit high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also occur in people with other diseases like disorders of the liver, kidney, diabetes and an under-active thyroid.

Cholesterol is transported in the body in the form of a lipoprotein. There are 2 types of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol around the body: 

• LDL-C or low-density lipoproteins are a major carrier of cholesterol in the blood. LDL-C is sometimes called 'bad cholesterol'. LDL-C carries 60-70% of cholesterol blood to the tissues and mainly deposits cholesterol in the artery wall, casing the formation of thick plaques. 
• HDL-C or high-density lipoproteins are known as 'good' cholesterol. It carries 20-30% of excess cholesterol to the liver for recycling and/or removal from the body.
  
  

Q What can I do to correct my high cholesterol?

A If you have high cholesterol due to a high fat diet the best thing to do is cut the amount of saturated fat in your diet and exercise regularly. If you smoke you should stop.

Q How serious is high cholesterol and are there any symptoms?

A Blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscles are called coronary arteries. These are susceptible to blockage. High cholesterol itself does not produce symptoms however increasing levels of cholesterol in the blood lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Increased cholesterol can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis, a process where the arteries become narrow or blocked due to deposits of fat-like substances (plaque) within the walls of the arteries themselves. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary heart disease, such as a heart attack or angina, stroke or poor blood flow to the lower limbs.


Q How much does diet alone bring down cholesterol?

A Less than 30% of your calorie intake on a daily basis should be fat. The recommended daily allowance of fat is as follows:

Men: 78g-97g of fat per day (maximum of 2500 calories).
Women: 50g-78g of fat per day (maximum of 2000 calories).

Each gram of fat contains 9 calories. Your fat intake can be calculated by checking the labels on food packaging.

Q Can my cholesterol go too low?

A No, your cholesterol can never go too low. The more you reduce cholesterol in your diet the less you are at risk of cardiovascular disease.


Q Do I need to diet for life or just for 6-8 weeks?

A In general you should control the amount of fat in your diet by eating less saturated fat and by exercising regularly. If you smoke you should stop.

Please consult your GP regarding your diet.

Q I'm on medication; can I come off it once my cholesterol lowers?

A Medication is used to reduce the process of cholesterol synthesis in your body. If you are on medication, your doctor feels that you need to reduce cholesterol production in your body. If you stop this medication your body will start producing cholesterol at the same rate again. It is at the discretion of your doctor whether or not to stop your medication.

Please consult your GP for further advice

Q If I have high cholesterol, will my children have high cholesterol too?

A High cholesterol can be diagnosed due to a number of factors including certain diseases, certain drugs or due to lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise or a high fat diet. If you have a hereditary disorder where you inherit high cholesterol (a condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia ) your children may also inherit the disorder as well. The best thing for you to do is consult your doctor as to whether your children need to be tested.


Q Do I have to fast before I get tested?

A In order to get a precise lipid profile it is recommended that you fast for at least 8-12 hours prior to your blood test.


Q How often should I get my cholesterol checked?

A If you already have cardiovascular disease it is best that you get your cholesterol checked every 3 months. If you do not have existing cardiovascular disease it is at the discretion of the doctor depending on your results.