High blood cholesterol (Hypercholesterolaemia)

What is it?

High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood cholesterol is a group of fats combined with proteins circulating in the blood stream. The main cholesterol levels measured in a laboratory are the high density and low density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL). HDL is also called the “good” cholesterol; it helps to transport cholesterol into the liver to be metabolised. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol; a factor in clot forming and in building plaques in arteries.

What causes it?

A few factors can cause blood cholesterol to rise. There is a hereditary factor involved but also nutritional influences play a role.

Dietetic treatment

There is some consensus among health professionals about treatment. A balanced diet with a focus on (whole) grains, legumes, other vegetables and fruit is beneficial for overall health. Fibre helps to excrete cholesterol and so can lower the blood levels of LDL. Low fat animal products help to keep blood cholesterol levels normal.