High levels of cholesterol in the blood can be an indicator of increased inflammation throughout the body and is a risk factor of heart disease and stroke. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, poor diet, and other lifestyle factors.
It can be treated with a variety lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, improving your sleep and stress levels.
High cholesterol can affect you at any stage in life, so even if you are young, fit and perceive yourself to be healthy it is important to get your cholesterol levels checked. Also, those who have a family history of cardiovascular disease and/or other health issues such as being overweight, diabetic or follow a poor diet have an increased risk and should get tested.