Cholesterol
Our bodies need some cholesterol, but having too much can silently damage your heart. Even if you don’t think you’re at risk, asking your GP about cholesterol is a vital step in staying well.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and make hormones - but not all cholesterol is the same.
'Good' (HDL) cholesterol helps remove fat from your blood. 'Bad' (LDL) transports cholesterol to tissues and cells, but it can also build up in your arteries over time, raising your risk of heart attack and heart disease.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms - you can feel fit and healthy and still be at risk. That's why it’s important to know your cholesterol numbers.
Men and women are just as likely to develop high cholesterol
Statins aren’t the only treatment for high cholesterol
High cholesterol can affect anyone of any age, including young adults and children
You can feel healthy and have high ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol
Did you know?
There are a lot of misconceptions about cholesterol. Here’s what you should know:
A new treatment for high cholesterol
For some people, lifestyle changes and standard medications aren't enough to bring 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol down to a safe level. A newer type of treatment — PCSK9 inhibitors — can reduce LDL cholesterol by around 50–60%.
These treatments may be particularly helpful for people with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH), those with existing heart disease, or people who haven't been able to reach healthy cholesterol levels with other treatments.
PCSK9 inhibitors are approved for use in New Zealand, but are not currently publicly funded, meaning many people who could benefit are unable to access them. Kia Manawanui Trust is advocating for better access to these treatments.
Talk to your doctor
The only way to check your cholesterol levels is with a blood test. It’s often called a ‘lipid profile’ or ‘lipids test’.
Even if you don't think you're at risk, it's important to ask. High cholesterol is manageable, and early action can prevent long-term damage to your heart.
Download and print the conversation guide to take along to your next appointment.
Sponsored by
This campaign is a collaborative initiative between Kia Manawanui Trust - The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand and Novartis, focused on cholesterol education and early detection for New Zealanders.