Taking a cholesterol test can, literally, be a lifesaver for some people.

The combination of high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight can substantially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the Munich-based German Society for the Treatment of Lipid Disorders.

All that is needed for a test is a tiny drop of blood, which can come from a finger prick and be done at home using a home cholesterol test kit. 

The total cholesterol level is not the only thing that should be measured.

It is important to determine the proportion of both 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol.

'Bad' cholesterol, known by the abbreviation LDL, can cause blood vessels to constrict dangerously and therefore lead to heart attacks or strokes. Its level should be as low as possible.

If you have no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, a level of 160 milligrams or less per 100 millilitres of blood is normal.

'Good' cholesterol or HDL, helps prevent atherosclerosis by removing excess cholesterol from the body. Its level should be at least 45 milligrams per 100 millilitres.

Lifestyle changes can bring down a high LDL level.

You should lose weight, exercise more and keep to a Mediterranean-style diet, one that is low in fat and rich in fibre.

Such a diet should include healthy oils like olive oil and at least two meals of fish per week with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. It would be good to try to include some of the following in your diet:

• Chicken and turkey;
• Sardines, trout, salmon, mackerel and pilchards, which are all oily fish, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids;
• Mono and poly-unsaturated spreads;
• Semi-skimmed and skimmed milk;
• Wholegrain bread;
• Wholemeal pasta and rice;
• Garlic, raw if possible;
• Low fat yoghurt;
• Fruit and vegetables - remember 5 portions a day;
• Pulses such as lentils, kidney beans, butter beans;
• Sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

A good diet combined with regular, gentle exercise is important in trying to control your cholesterol levels.

Because there are no symptoms, it is very difficult to know if your cholesterol levels are high without first doing a simple blood test.

The following indications may alert you to the fact that the fat levels in your blood are high:

• Small yellow lumps on the eyelids and tendons of the hands and knees;
• A white ring may appear on the cornea of the eye;
• If you suffer from diabetes;
• If you are a smoker;
• If any close family have had a heart attack younger than 50;
• If you are overweight.

For more information on the home cholesterol test please click here.