Your Cholesterol Result Explained: Types, Risks, Testing And How To Lower It Naturally
Cholesterol Explained: Types, Risks, Testing & How to Lower It Naturally
Cholesterol Explained: Types, Risks, Testing & How to Lower It Naturally
Cholesterol plays a vital role in your body, but too much of the wrong kind can put your heart at serious risk. In this guide, we’ll explore what cholesterol is, the different types, how they impact your health, and how you can check and manage your cholesterol levels — all of our health checks contain a comprehensive lipid profile which includes six types of cholesterol.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood and every cell of your body. It's essential for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion. However, too much cholesterol — particularly the wrong types — can lead to plaque build-up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Types of Cholesterol and What They Mean
Understanding cholesterol types is key to protecting your heart.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – The “Bad” Cholesterol
LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it can build up and form plaques. Over time, this narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.
How to lower LDL cholesterol:
Cut back on saturated and trans fats
Eat high-fibre foods like oats and legumes
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Consider statins if advised by your GP
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – The “Good” Cholesterol
HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and returns it to the liver to be broken down.
How to raise HDL cholesterol:
Get regular exercise
Quit smoking
Eat more healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts, olive oil)
Triglycerides – A Type of Blood Fat
Triglycerides are stored in fat cells and used for energy. High levels are often linked to heart disease and can occur with high LDL or low HDL.
How to lower triglycerides:
Limit sugar and refined carbs
Reduce alcohol
Lose excess weight
Increase physical activity
Cholesterol Ratios and ApoB
Your total cholesterol to HDL ratio and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels provide a clearer picture of your heart disease risk. ApoB is found in all harmful cholesterol particles and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events.
Health Risks of High Cholesterol
Excess cholesterol, particularly LDL, can trigger atherosclerosis — where plaque forms in the arteries. This restricts blood flow and increases your risk of:
Heart attacks
Strokes
Coronary artery disease
Peripheral artery disease
A rupture in the plaque can lead to a blood clot, blocking arteries and cutting off oxygen supply to your heart or brain.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Factors You Can Control:
Diet (especially saturated fats and refined carbs)
Lack of exercise
Smoking
Obesity
Excessive alcohol intake
Unmanaged medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, thyroid disorders)
Factors You Can’t Control:
Age
Sex (men are generally at higher risk earlier in life)
Genetics
What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia?
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that leads to extremely high cholesterol levels, often from a young age. If high cholesterol runs in your family, it's important to get tested early. FH significantly raises the risk of early heart disease but can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
How a Cholesterol Test Works
A cholesterol blood test (also known as a lipid profile) measures:
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Total cholesterol
Triglycerides
ApoB (in some advanced tests)
Total cholesterol to HDL ratio
You may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Testing is quick, simple, and usually involves a finger prick or venous blood draw.
You can book a cholesterol test with Optimum Health Screening either as a standalone service or as part of a full health check.
Health Checks That Include a Cholesterol Test:
What Are Statins and How Do They Help?
Statins are medications that lower LDL cholesterol by reducing the liver's ability to produce it. They also help stabilise existing plaque and prevent further build-up.
When Might Statins Be Appropriate?
Your GP may recommend statins if:
Lifestyle changes haven’t worked
You have a high risk of cardiovascular disease
You’ve already experienced a heart attack or stroke
You have familial hypercholesterolemia
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Knowing your cholesterol numbers could save your life. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so the only way to detect it is through a test.
Book your health check with Optimum Health Screening today and take the first step towards a healthier heart.
