New research reveals women are not only far more knowledgeable than men about cholesterol but the gender gap has widened since last year. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), which remains the UK’s biggest killer. 64% of women recognise that a healthy cholesterol level is under 5mmol/L, compared with only 53% of men.

Women also better understand which foods will help to reduce their cholesterol level. 21% of women recognise the proven cholesterol-lowering benefits of foods containing plant stanols versus only 14% of men. 50% of women would adopt lifestyle changes in the first instance to help lower cholesterol, compared to only 36% of men.

The research also reveals that there is a divide between the generations and regions when it comes to cholesterol knowledge, with those aged 65 years and over the most likely to recognise the importance of lowering cholesterol levels.