Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in this country, claiming the lives of more than 50,000 Australians each year. Consider this fact: one Australian dies every ten minutes as a result of cardiovascular disease. This is one of the reasons behind the current push to create greater community awareness about high cholesterol.

The condition is silent in its attack. It has no symptoms and often those affected by it will only become aware of it when it is too late. Alarmingly, a higher proportion of women than men will have high cholesterol after the age of 55 when menopause kicks in.

Genetics and lifestyle are the culprits. In some cases, our bodies simply produce too much cholesterol. Even women who are lean and fit can have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.

Diets rich in fat and calories are also responsible for high cholesterol. It is important to distinguish between good and bad cholesterol. According to Dr Karam Kostner, associate professor of medicine for the Cardiac Imaging Group at the University of Queensland, the good one is HDL cholesterol and the higher the levels in your body, the better it is for you. Usually, low levels of HDL are found in women who are obese or overweight. Similarly, there are higher levels of the bad cholesterol (LDL) in obese and overweight women. And it is also elevated in some women because of genetic reasons.

Dr Kostner says diet and exercise are very important for women at risk of high cholesterol. Diets low in saturated fats are preferable. He stresses that eggs, milk and cheese are not necessarily problematic foods. Women with a family history of heart disease for example, a close relative who has suffered a heart attack or stroke before the age of 60, should consult their doctor about their cholesterol between the ages of 18 and 20. Women who smoke or suffer from diabetes should also consult a doctor sooner rather than later. All others should consider talking to their doctors when they turn 40.

A simple blood test can establish whether or not a woman has high blood pressure. Women who would like more information on the subject can log on to www.cholesteroltest.com.au