Cholesterol Awareness Week
Cholesterol Awareness Week (24th-30th November 2025) is a national awareness campaign supported by Heart Support Australia, dedicated to improving understanding of cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk. In 2025, the campaign is proudly delivered in partnership with Advara HeartCare, Australia’s largest network of cardiologists and one of the largest private cardiology groups globally.
Together, the organisations are committed to raising awareness, empowering patients, and helping Australians take meaningful steps toward better heart health.
What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol refers to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred as bad cholesterol. Increased levels of bad cholesterol lead to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the walls of the coronary arteries. Over time, this buildup causes the arteries to narrow and stiffen, consequently restricting blood flow and resulting in blockages that prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart resulting in a heart attack.
High levels of cholesterol are a critical risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which encompasses a range of conditions that result in life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes. Globally, ASCVD is responsible for 85% of cardiovascular-related deaths.
In Australia, nearly 45,000 deaths in 2022 were attributed to ASCVD, with this number expected to increase each year. Despite its severity, many Australians remain unaware of their cholesterol levels and only a small proportion actively manage the condition. This gap in awareness and management highlights the urgent need for more proactive efforts to prevent ASCVD and reduce the overall burden of cardiovascular disease.
Managing high cholesterol is essential in reducing the risks associated with ASCVD and improving overall health outcomes.
Risk factors can include:
- Family history of heart disease
- Age >50years
- Smoking
- Overweight or obese
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Lack of physical activity
- High levels of alcohol consumption (>10 drinks per week)
- Diabetes
Simple steps can make a big difference
Heart Support Australia’s Know Your Numbers, Treat Your Risk initiative provides tools and information to help Australians better understand cholesterol, treatment options, and healthy lifestyle choices.
The campaign encourages everyone to:
- Get your cholesterol checked – know your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
- Talk to your GP about your cardiovascular risk and treatment plan, including whether you’re eligible for a Medicare Heart Health Check.
- Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle – eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
- Take medications as prescribed and monitor your progress.
Most people don’t experience symptoms of high cholesterol, earning it the label of a “silent disease”. Don’t wait any longer and go see your GP or Cardiologist and get your cholesterol checked again and avoid being another statistic of heart disease.
It is important to Know Your Numbers so you can Treat Your Risk!
For more information about cholesterol visit www.knowyournumberstreatyourrisk.com.au
or to see an Advara HeartCare Cardiologist visit www.advaraheartcare.com
