Cholesterol is essential for the normal function of the body at appropriate levels, but high LDL-cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). When there is too much LDL-cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the arteries. Over time, this build-up narrows, or ‘hardens,’ the arteries so that blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. Since blood transports oxygen to the heart, an inadequate supply of blood to the heart may cause chest pain; if the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, then the result is a heart attack.

It is well established that elevated blood LDL-cholesterol is independently associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of heart disease. The causal relationship between LDL-cholesterol and heart disease risk is supported by both epidemiological and interventional studies (European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines; Wilson et al). However, a high blood LDL-cholesterol level itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high – or that this puts them at greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease.