World Heart Day

New research released this World Heart Day has revealed a staggering 37% of Brits are unaware there are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol.1 The study, commissioned by cholesterol experts Benecol, highlights a serious lack of understanding among the UK population around cholesterol, with 1 in 5 adults (20%) believing regular exercise will prevent it.

Having elevated levels of cholesterol – the fatty substance found in your blood – can lead to coronary heart disease, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels, with a quarter of all UK deaths caused by CVD attributed to high levels of cholesterol.2 However, it typically will not carry any outwardly visible symptoms and the only way to know you have it is to get a cholesterol test from a GP or pharmacy.

The new Benecol study found Londoners and York residents are the least clued up on cholesterol – with over half of people in these cities unaware it has no obvious symptoms.

Aston spoke to dietitian Helen Bond to talk more about the research and top tips for managing Brits cholesterol level.