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OVER half of Brits are secretly battling a 'silent killer' condition, according to new data.
The condition usually doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages but raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes - and it was linked to dementia last month.
Using data from over 40,000 customers in 2024, analysed cholesterol levels across the UK to explore how location, lifestyle, and biology impact heart health.
It found over 50 per cent of us have dangerously high cholesterol levels, and the UK's cholesterol trends show clear differences by region, gender, and age, influenced by lifestyle, diet, and genetics.
There were high cholesterol hotspots like Yorkshire, while London's cholesterol was healthier.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood and produced naturally in the liver.
Every cell in our body needs cholesterol to stay healthy, as it plays a key role in maintaining cell membranes, producing vitamin D, bile acid, and essential hormones like testosterone and oestrogen.
However, too much of the wrong type of cholesterol can be dangerous.
HDL 'good' cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of arterial plaque build-up.
'Bad' cholesterol is anything that is non-HDL. It includes LDL and other types that can contribute to blocked arteries and cardiovascular disease.
'Total cholesterol' is a combination of the two. A high total cholesterol score doesn't always indicate a problem (for example if it is HDL cholesterol that is high). On the flip side, a 'normal' score might hide a high LDL score.
High cholesterol is often caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight or obese, smoking and drinking alcohol.
But for some, the story is very different.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol from birth.
It’s passed down through families and means that about one in 250 people are born with high cholesterol - putting them at serious risk of heart disease long before the average person even notices a problem.
Dr Natasha Fernando, Medical Director at Medichecks, said:
"Many people assume they’re safe just because they don’t ‘look’ unhealthy.
"But the reality is that high cholesterol can affect anyone, regardless of their weight, diet, or lifestyle.
"The only way to know your risk is to get tested."
High cholesterol doesn't usually cause symptoms in the early stages. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
But buildup of cholesterol can happen over years, and symptoms can appear once arteries are significantly affected, said Dr Fernando.
She warned of the possible late-stage high cholesterol symptoms to look out for:
When a heart attack or stroke might occur in someone with high cholesterol depends on lifestyle, genetics, and overall health.
Dr Fernando advised: "Once symptoms appear, arteries are already narrowed, a heart attack or stroke could happen within months or years if left untreated."
Ideal cholesterol levels in the UK:
Medichecks' data says that Londoners recorded the highest median 'good' HDL cholesterol levels (1.45 mmol/L), which could be linked to active commuting, diverse food options and more access to healthcare.
The South East and South West also had higher levels of 'good' cholesterol.
Yorkshire and The Humber recorded the highest 'bad' non-HDL cholesterol levels (3.57 mmol/L), suggesting a greater proportion of "bad" cholesterol. Possible contributing factors include diets and lower physical activity.
Northern Ireland came in second place - and it has the highest total cholesterol:HDL ratio (3.72), indicating a higher proportion of "bad" cholesterol relative to "good" cholesterol.
Despite higher heart disease rates in some areas, Scotland ranks among the better-performing regions for total cholesterol:HDL ratio (3.46).
The South East is following suit with an average total cholesterol:HDL ratio of 3.47.
A study published in the journal Neurology this January found older adults whose cholesterol changes over time may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose cholesterol is stable.
Rob Hobson, Registered Nutritionist and author of , told Sun Health: "The research highlights an important aspect of cholesterol management which is its variability over time.
"While we typically focus on absolute cholesterol levels, these fluctuations could signal underlying metabolic instability (irregularities in the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol, blood sugar, and other key markers), potentially increasing the risk of dementia.
"This study also adds to the growing evidence linking cardiovascular health and brain health."
Rob said the study highlights the importance of long-term dietary patterns that support stable lipid levels.
"The best example is the Mediterranean-style diet rich in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants," he said.
"More research is needed, but this study is a good reminder that consistency in heart-healthy habits may be just as important as the numbers you get from a blood test."
Diet is one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol, with certain foods shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Rob recommends five foods in particular to keep cholesterol levels in check:
See below for some other ways to lower cholesterol.
There are a number of ways to reduce your cholesterol.
High levels of cholesterol can build up in the artery walls and reduce blood flow to the heart.
This increases the risk of a clot forming around the body and also coronary heart disease occurring.
According to the NHS website, high levels can lead to:
High cholesterol is mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. Therefore, to lower your cholesterol:
