Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in your blood. There are two main types: ‘good’ cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein; HDL) and ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein; LDL).
  • Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood which can increase the risk of heart disease.
  • To reduce your levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, follow a heart-healthy eating pattern. This means choosing a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods, and limiting unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar.
  • A heart-healthy eating pattern is high in wholegrains, fibre, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
  • Have your cholesterol and triglycerides checked by your doctor regularly. For people aged 45 years and over, you can have your cholesterol checked as part of a Heart Health Check. For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, you should have your cholesterol checked from age 18 years.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 07-03-2022