A new study has highlighted a lack of concern, especially among women and those over 45, over high cholesterol levels, and a widespread ignorance about the impact of high cholesterol levels on health, and in particular on the prospects of developing heart disease.

This may not shock doctors practising in the field today, but it shows a worrying lack of knowledge around healthcare issues affecting the general public, hence the introduction of National Cholesterol Week

The study, conducted by the manufacturers of a margarine product, to coincide with National Cholesterol Week, found that 60% of men have never had their cholesterol levels checked, while an even greater number of women, 72%, have never undergone a cholesterol test.

Just as worrying was the discovery that 36% of over 45s had never had a cholesterol test, despite cholesterol levels increasing significantly at that age.

The survey also found a surprising level of ignorance about the causes of high cholesterol. Some 40 per cent of respondents wrongly believed that elevated cholesterol was a result of drinking too much, while almost 60 per cent were unaware that it could be inherited. A third of those questioned said they had no idea of the conditions and illnesses that ran in their family.

While cholesterol is needed in every blood cell to help repair cellular damage, it is generally recognised that high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

17% of those surveyed thought that high cholesterol levels led to weight gain, despite the fact that high cholesterol levels may not have any visible impact on body weight. 42% of respondents were unaware that increased cholesterol can lead to deterioration in cardiovascular health.

One in five of the 2,000 participants surveyed stated that, on average, they sat down for ten hours of each day. Nearly a fifth of over 45s, those most at risk of high cholesterol, had never exercised they said. A third of those questioned said they had no idea of the conditions and illnesses that ran in their family.

NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL WEEK (18th-24th Sept)