Cholesterol levels in the UK 2012 & how to protect yourself.

Cholesterol Levels |in the UK 2012 What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body and also in some foods we eat. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by proteins; combined they are called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as 'bad cholesteroľ. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells in the body, but too much can lead to a build up in the artery walls. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as 'good cholesterol. It carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver to be broken down or passed from the body as waste. Higher levels of good cholesterol are better. DID YOU KNOW? Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) and low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) can cause increased risk of coronary heart disease and artery diseases, as well as strokes. Recommended Levels UK National Average Men 5.5 mmol/L Women 5.6 mmol/L 2 in 3 adults have a total cholesterol level above 5mmol/L Extremely high: over 7.8mmol/L Very high: between 6.5 and 7.8mmol/L Too high: between 5 and 6.4mmol/Land 7.8mmol/L Ideal: less than 5mmol/L Causes of High cholesterol Obesity • Probably the biggest Smoking Alcohol • Cigarettes contain a • Alcohol; excessive alcohol consumption can increase bad cholesterol cause of high bad cholesterol levels. • Over a quarter of adults (26% of both men and chemical called acrolein that prevents good cholesterol from carrying bad cholesterol back to levels • Around 10 million adults regularly exceed the recommended daily alcohol intake women) are classified obese • 42% of men and 32% of the liver. This can result in a narrowing of the arteries • There are around 10 women are classed as overweight • Britain has the highest rate of obesity in Western Europe million adult smokers in the UK (around 20% of the population) • Current smokers smoke an average of 12.7 cigarettes a day Poor diet Family history • High cholesterol levels Lack of exercise • Poor diet; foods that are high in saturated fat can raise bad cholesterol • Lack of exercise can also lead to an increase in bad cholesterol can be inherited. This is called Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) FH is inherited by approximately one in every 500 people in the UK levels • Foods high in saturated fats include fatty cuts of meat, butter, cream, cheese, cakes and biscuits. Prevention Diet A healthy diet can help to increase levels of good cholesterol. Cutting down on foods high in saturated fats can help, and eating wholegrain foods and fruit and vergetables has been proven to help lower cholesterol Stop smoking Smoking prevents good cholesterol from transporting bad cholesterol to the liver. Quitting can stop this from happening, and therefore reduces the risk of cholesterol related illnesses such as heart disease and stroke. Exercise Being active can help to increase good cholesterol which enables the body to remove bad cholesterol to the liver. 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling recommended per week. Supplements In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, some supplements can aid the process of ering esterol levels. Sources http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cholestero/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypercholesterolaemia.htm http://www.bhf.org.uk/research/statistics/risk-factors/cholesterol.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cholesterol/Pages/Causes.aspx http://heartuk.org.uk/prees/prees-kit/key-facts-figures http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/cholesterol1.shtml http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-infomation/directory/d'cholesterol http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/003_Health_Lifestyles/OPAD12/Statistics_on_Obesity_Physical_Activ- ity_and Diet_England_2012.pdf http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style'health-and-families/health-news/britain-is-the-fattest-nation-in-eu- rope-8324262.html http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/smoking12 http://ash.org.uk/files/documents/ASH_106.pdf http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/did-you-know/approximately-seven-million-people-in-england-drink-above-the- recommended-guidelines. SimplySupplements Healthy living made simpler! www.simplysupplements.co.uk