What raises your cholesterol?

Your cholesterol and triglycerides can become raised for a number of reasons. For example:

• A diet high in saturated fats
• Not being active enough, so the fats you eat aren't used up for energy
• Genetic conditions which mean the fats aren't processed in the usual way
• Other medical conditions

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a combination of:

• three fatty acids (i.e. saturated fat, unsaturated fat or both – these are the building blocks of fats) 
• glycerol, a form of glucose (a simple sugar)

Triglycerides are our main source of energy and, as they are so important, we have two supplies: one from our diet and one made by the liver.

Getting a cholesterol check

A cholesterol check involves a simple blood test. Your healthcare professional should also check another blood fat called triglycerides, as these also affect your heart health. High cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes. When you have a cholesterol test, ask your healthcare professional to explain the results, so you are clear on the results and don't have any unnecessary worry. A cholesterol test, blood pressure test, BMI and waist measurement will give you a good idea of your heart health and show you if you need to make any lifestyle changes or require treatment.