What is cholesterol, and why does it matter?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs — but too much of the "bad" type (LDL) can build up in your arteries over time, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke. There's also a "good" type (HDL) that helps clear it away. High cholesterol itself doesn't make you feel unwell, which is exactly why it's worth checking rather than waiting for symptoms.
How do I know if mine is high?
A simple blood test measures your cholesterol and related fats. In Australia, adults are generally encouraged to have a Heart Health Check from age 45 (or from 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), and earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking. Your GP can arrange the test and explain what your results mean for you.
What actually lowers cholesterol
- Eat for your heart. Less saturated and trans fat; more vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and oily fish. A dietitian can tailor this to your tastes and culture.
- Move regularly. Aim for most days — activity nudges your cholesterol and blood pressure in the right direction.
- Keep a healthy weight, and if you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful things you can do for your heart.
- Medication when needed. If your overall risk is high, your GP may recommend a statin or other medicine — these are well-established and effective.
It's not about chasing one perfect number — it's about lowering your overall risk of heart attack and stroke.
It's about your whole heart risk
Cholesterol is one piece of the puzzle. Your GP looks at the whole picture — blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, weight, family history and age — to estimate your risk and decide what will help most. Two people with the same cholesterol number can need quite different plans, and that's completely normal.
Due for a heart health check?
A simple visit can tell you where you stand. Book with our GPs — online, seven days a week.
How Sirius Health can help
Our GPs can do your Heart Health Check, explain your results clearly, and work with our dietitians on a plan that fits your life — all under one roof, and in English, Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese.
Sources: healthdirect — High cholesterol; Heart Foundation (Australia).