Cholesterol remains a paradoxical subject. While 90% of French people consider that excess cholesterol is dangerous for their health, many people do not really know how to act to limit the risks. A denial that can have consequences.
One in three French people have never controlled their cholesterol
According to a study carried out in May 2026 by OpinionWay for Danacol and the Alliance du Cœur, 66% of French people believe that cholesterol and its consequences are not sufficiently addressed. Even more worrying: one in three French people have never tried to have their cholesterol level checked and 36% say they do not know concretely how to reduce it. Nearly 3 in 10 people (29%) simply do not feel concerned by the subject.
A situation which is explained in particular by the often silent nature of hypercholesterolemia.
“You can have high cholesterol without feeling the slightest symptom,” recalled Dr Gérald Kierzek in a previous article.
However, an excess of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) causes an accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries, causing numerous cardiovascular complications. Screening makes it possible to identify an anomaly before it appears.
A check that must take place sooner than you think
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait until you’re 40 or 50 to take an interest in your cholesterol.
“From the age of 20, a first lipid assessment is recommended”says Dr. Kierzek.
This blood test makes it possible to measure total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Screening is particularly important when there is a family history. Hypercholesterolemia, a heart attack or a stroke occurring early in a loved one should in particular encourage you to talk about it with your doctor. Same thing in the presence of certain risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking or obesity.
“Early detection allows action before damage sets in”underlines the doctor.
After 40-50 years, monitoring must become regular
When the first assessment is normal and no particular risk factor is identified, the check can then be spaced out.
From the age of 40-50, however, Dr. Kierzek recommends regular monitoring: “Every five years if levels remain normal, otherwise more frequently.”
The objective is to monitor the evolution of LDL cholesterol, but also other lipid profile parameters. The frequency of checks can naturally be adapted by the doctor according to the profile of each patient.
What to do if cholesterol is too high?
Furthermore, high cholesterol does not automatically mean that drug treatment will be necessary. The first step is generally based on lifestyle habits.
“You must first act on diet and physical activity“, explains Dr Kierzek. This involves in particular a reduction in saturated fats, present in quantity in certain products such as cold meats, cheeses or red meats, and a diet richer in fiber, fatty fish, nuts and vegetable oils rich in omega-3.
Regular physical activity also plays an important role. In particular, the doctor recommends at least 30 minutes of activity per day, such as brisk walking or cycling. Stopping smoking is also an essential lever for reducing overall cardiovascular risk.
If these measures are not enough to lower the LDL sufficiently, treatment may be considered by the doctor. Statins are notably used as first-line treatment in many situations, with other treatments possible when necessary.
Screening days throughout France
To encourage the French to move from information to action, the Heart Alliance is organizing, on the occasion of World Heart Day, several free cholesterol screening days, open to the public.
Meetings are notably planned in Aix-les-Bains on October 2, in Lanester on October 3, in La Rochelle on October 9 and in Colmar on October 16. Other operations are announced in Besançon in October and in Vesoul in November.
The initiative aims in particular to enable the public to better understand their cardiovascular risk factors and to direct them towards appropriate care if necessary.
Because if 43% of French people still believe that hypercholesterolemia is an underestimated problem, the main challenge remains perhaps to make screening more systematic. Cholesterol generally does not cause symptoms that would indicate that it is too high, so the only way to know it is to measure it.