Over half of UK adults are unknowingly living with a silent but potentially lethal condition. According to the latest data from Public Health England 59% of adults have raised cholesterol levels.

This figure jumps to 72% for those aged between 45 and 64. And while it is more likely to be found in men in those aged 16 to 44 this switches in older age groups when it is more likely to be in women.

Unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to serious heart complications, including heart attacks. However it is usually without symptoms making it hard to know if there is an issue.

Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist, says despite this there are ways to manage your cholesterol levels. And living the right lifestyle can even prevent them forming in the first place.

Here she explains what high cholesterol is. And the expert also and offers advice on how to tackle it, reports Surrey Live.

What is high cholesterol?

The pharmacist says: "Having high cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. There are different types of cholesterol, usually referred to as “good” and “bad” cholesterol.

"Too much “bad” cholesterol can be damaging to your overall health, as it can block your blood vessels, leaving you more likely to have problems such as a heart attack or a stroke."

What causes high cholesterol?

"There are several risk factors that can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol. Some of these you can control and some of them you can’t.

"Some of the things you can control are lifestyle factors. For example, having a diet high in saturated fat can make it harder for your liver to remove excess cholesterol.

"Not leading an active lifestyle can also cause the levels of 'bad' cholesterol in your blood to rise. Being physically active can help you increase the level of 'good' cholesterol and lower the levels of 'bad' cholesterol in your blood.

"There are some risk factors for high cholesterol that we can’t control, like our genetics. Familial Hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition which can make your cholesterol levels extremely high.

"It can be passed down from generation to generation in families where the genetic mutation responsible for the disease is present. Not only do lifestyle and genetic factors affect the risk for high cholesterol, but certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism can also increase the risk."

How can I keep my cholesterol levels under control?

The expert advises: "If you are at risk or have high cholesterol, there are things you can do to help. Making smart choices in terms of diet can help lower cholesterol levels.

"Try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat like cakes, biscuits, fatty meats and things like cream, butter and cheese. Instead, you should opt for foods like mackerel and salmon, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta. You should also try to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet."

How do I test my cholesterol levels?

"There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol, so if you are concerned that you are at risk you should speak to your GP who may suggest a blood test to check cholesterol levels. There are also test kits that can be purchased from Boots, where a blood sample can be taken at home and sent off to a lab for the results.

"For those over the age of 40, have excess weight and where high cholesterol and heart conditions run in the family, I would advise booking in for an appointment with your GP, as it is useful to understand your overall health.”