Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much can build up inside the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms and is detected through a blood test.

Eating less saturated fat, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking can help. Some people will also need cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins. Take these as prescribed and speak to your GP or cardiac rehabilitation team before making any changes.