Today is Cholesterol Day: Time to do something good for your heart
Dr. med. Robert Schorn
June 6, 2025
3 min
In an interview with Dr Robert Schorn, Head Physician at the Nephrology and Dialysis Centre and certified lipidologist (DGFL), we have summarised some facts about cholesterol for you.
Fact 1: Elevated cholesterol increases the cardiovascular risk
An elevated cholesterol level increases the cardiovascular risk. Other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking or a family history further increase this risk.
Fact 2: LDL target values are individual
The risk and therefore also the target LDL, the cholesterol value on which most treatment is currently based, is determined individually for each person. In the case of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus, risk classification is possible without a score. In these cases, there is usually a high to very high risk. Based on this risk classification, it is possible to determine which LDL cholesterol value should be aimed for.
Fact 3: Diet and lifestyle - important, but not always enough
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle play a key role in our health. Nevertheless, these measures sometimes reach their limits. In the case of elevated triglyceride levels, they are usually the treatment of first choice - ideally accompanied by qualified nutritional counselling.
The situation is different with an increase in LDL cholesterol: Here, a change in lifestyle can lead to a reduction of around 10 to 20 per cent. However, whether this is sufficient in individual cases depends on the individual starting and target values and should be carefully examined by a doctor.
Fact 4: Medication helps effectively
In many cases, lifestyle modification is not enough. Various well-tolerated medications are available. Lowering LDL cholesterol also dramatically reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
When should I have my cholesterol levels tested?
It is generally advisable to have your cholesterol levels checked once in young adulthood. In this way, congenital disorders such as familial hypercholesterolaemia can be detected and treated at an early stage.
In addition, the determination of cholesterol levels is routine for all patients who belong to certain risk groups (see Fact 2). This is an integral part of GP care.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: more common than expected
- 1 in 250 adults is affected - this corresponds to around 30,000 to 35,000 people in Switzerland.
- The disease is genetic and hereditary.
- Many of those affected are undiagnosed - and therefore without suitable treatment.
- If left untreated, around 30 to 50 % of those affected will develop manifest atherosclerosis before the age of 50 - with a greatly increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, the earlier familial hypercholesterolaemia is detected, the better the risk can be reduced through targeted treatment.
Weitere Beiträge
Latest news
A moment of light-heartedness in everyday hospital life
When Klara Sternenstaub and Ina Schnusel wander through the corridors of Zollikerberg Hospital, they bring more with them than just music, magic and red noses. As visiting clowns, they give patients moments of laughter, connection and respite – amidst the often stressful daily routine of hospital life. With great sensitivity, they engage with people in very different life situations, experiencing touching, and sometimes quiet, moments that linger long afterwards. In this interview, they explain how they came to do this special work, what they’ve learnt about people through it, and why a brief moment of light-heartedness can sometimes make such a big difference.
Latest news
Initial assessment after three months: The Haus zum Falken has proved its worth
Just over three months ago, Zollikerberg Hospital opened its new premises in the Haus zum Falken building at Stadelhofen station. Since then, the Zurich Women’s Emergency Clinic, Zurich Plastic Surgery and the Zollikerberg Breast Centre have been operating under one roof – in a building designed by Santiago Calatrava in the heart of Zurich. The aim of the new site was to bring established medical services together under one roof, to further strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and to offer patients modern, easily accessible outpatient care. Three months after the launch, those in charge are taking stock of the situation.
Latest news
Packing your first-aid kit properly – 5 important questions to ask before the summer holidays
Interview with Dr Gabriela Buck, FMH-certified specialist in General Internal Medicine
For many people, the summer holidays are just around the corner. Whether it’s relaxing by the sea, a city break or active days in the mountains – good preparation helps ensure you can enjoy your holidays without a care in the world. As well as travel documents and luggage, you shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. With the right medicines and aids, minor ailments can often be treated quickly. We answer five common questions about first-aid kits and explain what you should bear in mind when putting one together.