Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance produced naturally by your liver and found in your blood. Cholesterol is used for many different things in your body, but it can become a problem when there is too much of it in your blood.
High levels of cholesterol in your blood are mainly caused by eating foods that aren’t part of a heart-healthy eating pattern. By following a heart-healthy eating pattern, you will be eating in a way that is naturally low in unhealthy fats and high in healthy fats.
High levels of cholesterol in your blood are mainly caused by eating foods that aren’t part of a heart-healthy eating pattern. By following a heart-healthy eating pattern, you will be eating in a way that is naturally low in unhealthy fats and high in healthy fats.
Types of cholesterol
The two main types of cholesterol are:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can add to the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits) in your arteries and increase your risk of coronary heart disease.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – also known as ‘good’ cholesterol because it can help to protect you against coronary heart disease.
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How is cholesterol measured?
Most people with high cholesterol feel perfectly well and often have no symptoms.
Visit your GP to find out your cholesterol level (with a blood test) and to find out what you need to do if your levels of bad cholesterol are high.
For people aged 45 years and over, you can have your cholesterol checked as part of a Heart Health with your GP.
If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you should have your cholesterol checked from age 18 years.
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What causes high cholesterol?
Some causes of high cholesterol include:
- High intake of foods containing unhealthy fats (saturated fats and trans fats) – such as fatty meats and deli-style meats, butter, cream, ice cream, coconut oil, palm oil and most deep-fried takeaway foods and commercially baked products (such as pies, biscuits, buns and pastries).
- Low intake of foods containing healthy fats – healthy fats tend to increase the good (HDL) cholesterol. Foods containing healthy fats include avocado, nuts, seeds, olives, cooking oils made from plants or seeds, and fish.
- Low intake of foods containing fibre – foods that are high in dietary fibre, particularly soluble fibre, can reduce the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood. Include fibre-containing foods in your diet by choosing vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds every day.
- Low levels of physical activity and exercise.
- Being overweight or obese and having too much body fat around your middle.
- Smoking can lead to high cholesterol levels.
- In some families, several people might be diagnosed with high cholesterol or heart disease at a relatively young age (men below age 55 years and women below 65 years). This type of pattern can be caused by genetics, including a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia. It’s best to speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you think you might be affected.
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some medical conditions can cause high cholesterol levels including kidney and liver disease and underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). People with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure often have high cholesterol. Some types of medicines you take for other health problems can increase cholesterol levels as well.
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