February = National Heart Month: Know Your Cholesterol, Know Your Heart

Did you know nearly 1 in 2 adults in the UK has high cholesterol—often without symptoms? February, being National Heart Month, is the perfect moment to learn more, get tested, and take action.

What Is Cholesterol—and Why It Matters

Cholesterol isn’t all bad. Your body needs some to build cells, make vitamin D, and produce hormones. It travels in your blood in two main forms:

• LDL (“bad”): Can accumulate in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• HDL (“good”): Carries cholesterol away from arteries to the liver to be removed

High Cholesterol: The Silent Risk

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, but it silently raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke. A simple blood test—often called a lipid profile—measures total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. Even a quick finger-prick test at your GP or local pharmacy can provide results in minutes.

Take Control: Top 5 Cholesterol-Busting Foods

Empower your heart with these powerful additions to your diet:

1. Oats & Barley – Rich in beta-glucan soluble fibre, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol
2. Beans & Legumes – Offer soluble fibre that binds cholesterol and slows its absorption
3. Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts) – Contain healthy fats that improve cholesterol balance
4. Oily Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) – High in omega‑3s. Helps lower triglycerides and support heart health
5. Fruits & Vegetables (apples, berries, leafy greens) – Provide soluble fibre and antioxidants to support arterial health

Action Steps for Heart Month

• Get tested during National Heart Month—GPs and pharmacies offer free or low-cost cholesterol checks.
• Monitor your numbers—target guidelines: total <5 mmol/L, LDL low, HDL >1 mmol/L.
• Choose food wisely—swap saturated fats for whole grains, nuts, oily fish, and fresh produce.
• Stay active—at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly supports cholesterol balance.
• Consult your GP—especially if you have a family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure.