While we know high cholesterol causes heart diseases and health problems, did you know, according to the World Health Organization, raised cholesterol has been attributed for 2.6 million deaths across the globe?

High cholesterol has become an increasing issue for many people. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, between 2027 to 2020 10% of adults from the age of 20 or older had high cholesterol. More than 47 million people could benefit from cholesterol medicine. Even 7% of kids from the ages of 6 to 19 have high total cholesterol.

To combat this, people often adopt a healthy diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control cholesterol, however, ever thought why is high cholesterol such a bad thing? It’s important to understand that within reasonable amounts, cholesterol is necessary for your body to make hormones, vitamin D as well as help you digest food. Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance that is found in the cells of your body.

When you have too much cholesterol in your blood stream it can form plaques by combining with other substances. These stick to the walls of your arteries, restricting blood flow and this build up is known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to heart diseases like coronary heart disease which is a condition where your coronary arteries become narrow or blocked.

Signs You May Have High Cholesterol

It is said that there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test. But how can a person know before the problem becomes worse?

A common sign would be deposits on your eyelid skin known as Xanthelasma or in the collective tissue xanthoma. Xanthelasmas are small, yellowish bumps of cholesterol that develop near the inner corner of the eye. The Cleveland Clinic explains that these form as cholesterol deposits build up under the skin.

A surprising fact is that you can also have cholesterol in your eye, this condition is known as corneal arcus. This appears as a faint white ring that circles the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. Cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez from the Mayo Clinic explains that this arc may eventually form a complete ring around the iris.

Experts at the National Health Services UK (NHS) are urging people to be aware of these two facial symptoms that might signal high cholesterol. They note that certain factors increase your likelihood of having high cholesterol, including being over 50, being male, having gone through menopause, or having South Asian or sub-Saharan African heritage. It can also be inherited, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).

How Can You Make This Better?

According to the Heart UK without treatment, FH can lead to heart disease at a very young age. However, once diagnosed, it can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle. FH means that a person's cholesterol levels can become much higher than others, even with a healthy lifestyle, because their body processes cholesterol differently.

To effectively manage high cholesterol, NHS guidelines advise several key lifestyle modifications. These include, reducing the intake of saturated fats, adopting a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption.

Medical experts emphasize that allowing cholesterol levels to become too high can lead to the blockage of blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of developing serious cardiovascular events such as heart problems or a stroke. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your GP if you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels.

Known as the silent killer, high cholesterol is a cause of concern for many. Claiming 3.6 million deaths every year, it is one of the major risk factors for heart diseases, according to the World Heart Federation. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain that cholesterol has no symptoms, and without a test, you may not know whether you have high cholesterol or not. It is advised that one checks their cholesterol levels every five years.

High cholesterol poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health by contributing to the buildup of fatty substances within the arteries. Over time, this accumulation can cause crucial blood vessels and arteries to become narrowed or completely blocked, hindering the smooth flow of blood throughout the body. This obstruction can starve vital organs, including the heart and brain, of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Consequently, this process significantly increases the risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Going through a cholesterol test can be daunting for many, however, the National Health Services UK explains the two very simple tests that can reveal your health.

What Do the Tests Involve?

Getting a cholesterol test might seem scary, especially the first time. However, the test is quick, doesn't usually hurt much, and could save your life. Here's what to expect:

Blood Draw from Arm

This is the most common way. A needle collects blood samples, which are then sent to a lab. Results usually take a few days. You might be told not to eat for up to 12 hours before, but the NHS says this "fasting" isn't needed for most people.

Finger-Prick Test

Some people can get this test during an NHS Health Check, especially those who are over 40. A finger is pricked, a drop of blood is put on a paper strip, and a machine gives results in minutes.

The results will show you your total cholesterol (TC), HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, and the LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. HDL or good cholesterol is beneficial for your body as it removes excess cholesterol from your body. While LDL or bad cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. One must show these results to their general practitioner who will assess the results while keeping your lifestyle, age, blood pressure and other conditions in mind.

While you can buy cholesterol home testing kits, they might not be as accurate as tests done by a healthcare professional. Heart UK says it's better to get tested by a professional because taking blood and measuring cholesterol needs skill, and home tests can be affected by how you do them. If you still want to try a home test, you can find them in shops or online.

Are There Any Times When The Test Should Not Be Conducted?

The main exception to this advice is for pregnant women. During pregnancy, cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally go up to help with hormone production and the baby's growth. Because of this, tests done during pregnancy might not give a true picture of your usual health, according to Surrey Live.

What to Do If Your Cholesterol Is High

Doctors usually tell people with high cholesterol to make big changes to their lifestyle. This includes eating less fatty food and drinking less alcohol. If you smoke, quitting is very important. Doctors also recommend being more active. The NHS suggests aiming for 2.5 hours of exercise a week, even just by walking more. You can find more information online, but if you're worried, talk to your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

"Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you"

These lyrics of "Fix You" have resonated with many in the past. Especially for when people were struggling. However, for even the brightest stars, dark days are inevitable. Chris Martin, who is the lead vocalist of Coldplay and one of the most celebrated musicians in the world also opened up about struggling with depression. In an Instagram video which was recorded after a concert in Hong Kong, Martin shared a few simple, but meaningful tools and types which have helped him navigate mental health challenges.

"We are in Hong Kong... I've noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression. So I wanted to talk to you about some things that are helping me on tour and in life in general, in the hope that they can help you as well."

What Tools Have Helped Him?

Freeform Writing: Among the methods, he highlighted the importance of freeform writing. It is a practice where one writes continuously on paper for 12 minutes without any judgments and then discards the paper.

It is a form of expressive writing, which researchers have also found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. As per a 2017 study published in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, expressive writing can help individuals process traumatic or difficult emotions. It can also promote emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Transcendental Meditation: Martin also credited transcendental meditation or TM as transformative. It is a form of silent mantra meditation that has shown promising results even in studies too. A 2014 meta-analysis in Current Hypertension Reports found that TM can reduce psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. It is even better with consistent practice. For Martin, it has been a tool to ground himself amid the chaos of touring.

The Costello Method: He also notes proprioception, which is the sense of relative position and movement of one's own body. He pointed to the Costello Method, which was developed by Jim Costello, which is used to improve brain-body coordination, especially for those with ADHD and autism. Research on this is limited, however, proprioceptive activities in general like balancing exercises or joint compression have been found to support emotional regulation.

Breathing In And Out: Martin also highlighted the book The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown. The book emphasizes on the power of proper breathing techniques. The book also focuses on breathing exercises, especially those promoting nasal breathing and CO2 tolerance. These have shown to lower stress levels and improve resilience. Studies have also linked slow, deep breathing to lower cortisol levels and improved autonomic nervous system functions.

Music And Films For Mental Health: He also finds joy in music and films. Of course, this is something we all do, which is why so many have resonated with "Fix You". He also mentioned Music For Psychedelic Therapy by Jon Hopkins for listening and the movie Sing Sing for people to watch. He described these both as uplifting. The power was music have earlier also been well documented. In fact, a 2016 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders noted that music therapy significantly improves mood and quality of life in people with depression.

Talking About Mental Health Challenges

This is not the first time Martin has opened up about his mental health challenges. In 2014, after his divorce from Gwyneth Paltrow, he admitted that he had been facing daily struggles and depression. "There are still many days when I wake up and feel down, but this experience has given me extra tools to keep going," he told to The Sunday Times.

In 2023, his partner, actress Dakota Johnson also talked about Martin's strength at the 17th Annual Hope Luncheon. She said, "Chris has been there for me in the most difficult times. There is a gentleness in the way he supports me that I have never found before.”

For Martin, music remains his lifeline. “My head tends to be filled with negativity, and music has always been the place where I find some light and meaning,” he shared in an interview with NME. His vulnerability not only humanizes him but also offers hope and practical tools to anyone navigating mental health struggles.

Observed every year on 17th of April, World Hemophilia Day plays a very important role in increasing awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is defined as a sudden and excessive bleeding after an injury by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. As many as 33,000 males suffer with this disease in the United States. For women, the symptoms may be mild but, it can still lead to reduced joint range of motion.

World Hemophilia Day 2025 History

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) started World Hemophilia Day in 1989. They picked April 17th to honor Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH, on his birthday, as a way to bring the community together. Haemophiliia Foundation Australia stated that WFH has a dream called "Treatment for All." They want a world where everyone with inherited bleeding disorders can get medical care, no matter what kind of bleeding problem they have, if they are a man or woman, how old they are, or where they live. This April, let's celebrate our community and keep working towards a world where everyone, whether they have hemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease (VWD), or any other bleeding disorder, can get diagnosed, treated, and receive complete care

World Hemophilia Day 2025 Theme

Choosing "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too" as the theme is a big step. It helps us look at the special needs of women and girls with these conditions. Often, their problems are not seen as much as men's. This day wants to make sure their struggles are noticed and that they get better care. Historically, the experiences and challenges faced by this population have been less visible within the broader bleeding disorders community.

This aims to bring their unique struggles to the forefront. The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), has expressed their enthusiasm about the theme, and how meaningful it is. They commended the advocacy of the International Women & Girls with Bleeding Disorders Committee.

The central theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025, "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," directly addresses the systemic inequities faced by Women & Girls with Bleeding Disorders (WGBDs). This theme underscores the critical need to:

Combat Underdiagnosis

Many women and girls experience significant delays or fail to receive a proper diagnosis due to prevailing misconceptions about who is affected by bleeding disorders.

Improve Treatment Access

Even when diagnosed, WGBDs often do not receive the same level of care and treatment as their male counterparts.

Raise Awareness

There is a significant lack of understanding among the general public and even healthcare professionals regarding how bleeding disorders manifest in women and girls.

Enhance Quality of Life

The consequences of undiagnosed or poorly managed bleeding disorders can severely impact the educational, professional, and personal lives of women and girls.

World Hemophilia Day 2025 Importance

World Hemophilia Day 2025, under the banner of "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," is of paramount importance for several reasons:

Increased Visibility

It provides a global platform to raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by women and girls with bleeding disorders.

Advocacy for Change

The day serves as a catalyst for advocating for improved diagnostic pathways, treatment protocols, and overall care for WGBDs.

Community Unification

It unites the global bleeding disorders community in a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to care for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Call to Action

It encourages individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to take concrete steps towards addressing the unmet needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders.