Heart UK – The Cholesterol Charity
HEART UK -The Cholesterol Charity – is committed to preventing premature deaths caused by high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CVD is the main cause of death in Britain, and cholesterol is one of the most significant risk factors for CVD. Cholesterol levels in the UK are high by international standards. In England, for example, mean levels of total cholesterol are 5.3mmol/l for men and 5.4mmol/l for women. Some 57% of men and 61% of women have raised cholesterol levels (5.0mmol/l or above).
Current clinical recommendations (Joint British Societies) state that a healthy cholesterol level should be 5 or below. If, however, you have been told that you are a higher risk it should be 4 or below.
Most people’s cholesterol levels are increased through their lifestyle – for example, poor diet, smoking and lack of physical activity.
But some people have inherited high cholesterol, which, left untreated, leads to early death from heart disease. Among the most common of these inherited conditions is familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). Sadly, more than three quarters of people with FH are unaware that they have the condition.
HEART UK aims to break the vicious cycle of preventable death from inherited high risk, and to help ensure that people can live healthy, active lives rather than become disabled by illness. The charity provides nursing and dietetic support through a dedicated helpline, and is campaigning for improved systems to diagnose and treat inherited high cholesterol.
HEART UK has launched a redlaces campaign to ‘keep young hearts running’. Redlaces raise awareness of the dangers of FH and raise funds to support the work of HEART UK. With half a million pairs out on bikes, playing fields, tennis courts and skating rinks we can all raise awareness about the risks of inherited high cholesterol and make people question their family’s heart history.
Helpline
HEART UK’s helpline (tel. 0845 450 5988) offers cholesterol advice and is open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 – 16:00. A service is also available in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi on Fridays between 10:00-12:00. You can also email any questions to ask@heartuk.org.uk
For more information on cholesterol and measures to improve your heart health, see the following HEART UK documents:
Risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) factsheet
Dietary advice to help lower your cholesterol and keep your heart healthy
Fruit and vegetables fact sheet:
Medical fact sheets (to help answer your questions about cholesterol and available treatments)
Top tips for a healthy heart (video) – Dr Sarah Jarvis, Chair of HEART UK’s Healthcare Committee, shares 7 top tips for a healthy heart
For more information on HEART UK, see the website