Cholesterol is a fatty substance the body needs, but too much of the wrong kind can build up in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Common causes
- Diets high in saturated fat, such as ghee, fatty meat and fried foods
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Family history
What helps
Choose more vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains; use less ghee and oil; stay active; and get a lipid test as advised by your doctor. Some people also need medicine.