In the UK, however, the average cholesterol level is around 5.7mmol/L, putting many at the perils of cardiovascular disease.
Bad cholesterol, known as LDL, wreaks havoc when it builds up inside the walls of the blood vessels, clogging them up and narrowing the arteries.
How to avoid high cholesterol?
The likelihood of having high cholesterol increases with age – but the risk is higher for individuals who gain weight or are female.
Certain beverages, such as alcohol, also raise lipid levels in the blood.