Cholesterol is a fatty substance manufactured by the body (mainly the liver) which plays a vital role in functioning of cell membranes. Hypercholesterolaemia is the presence of raised or abnormal levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol levels are found in a continuum within a population. Higher total cholesterol levels lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lowering cholesterol is effective for both primary and secondary prevention of all forms of CVD.