WHAT DOES A HIGH CHOLESTEROL MEAN?
A high cholesterol level is usually referred to as hyperlidaemia or hypercholesterolaemia and is a risk factor for CHD. The level of cholesterol that is considered high for you will depend partly on whether you have any other risk factors for heart disease, for example high blood pressure (hypertension), a family history of heart disease and whether you are overweight or smoke. Your doctor will be able to advise you of your current and ideal cholesterol level. Cholesterol Target Level: to reduce you risk of getting a heart attack the total cholesterol level should be below 5mmol/l. Recent research has shown that a level nearer 3.5mmol/l may be better. • People with diabetes with high cholesterol levels will be offered treatment with fat lowering drugs Statins or Fibrates FEW TIPS ON REDUCING YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS Many factors can affect your cholesterol level and your risk of heart disease. In some people a high cholesterol level may be due to hereditary factors (your genetic make-up
