National Cholesterol Month 2026

What is National Cholesterol Month?

National Cholesterol Month is a public health awareness campaign launched and led by HEART UK — The Cholesterol Charity, the UK’s leading cholesterol charity. It was created to address a persistent gap: despite being a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, high cholesterol is widely misunderstood and routinely undetected.

The campaign has grown year on year since its launch, engaging NHS services, employers, schools, and community groups across all four nations of the UK. By pairing public education with community fundraising and practical health challenges, National Cholesterol Month has become one of the UK’s most effective annual heart health campaigns.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and obtained from food. The body needs it to function, but too much LDL cholesterol causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries — a process known as atherosclerosis — which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. National Cholesterol Month works to make this information accessible and actionable for everyone, regardless of background or health literacy.

For full campaign resources, testing guidance, and ways to take part in 2026, visit HEART UK — The Cholesterol Charity. Further information on cholesterol and cardiovascular health is available from the NHS and the British Heart Foundation.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11. Content refreshed: updated opening dates block, restructured sections to plain HTML, added FH 1-in-250 statistic and 6-in-10 UK adults statistic, expanded how-to-get-involved section with NHS Health Check detail, confirmed HEART UK as organiser with direct links.

National Cholesterol Month takes place throughout October 2026. Led by HEART UK — The Cholesterol Charity, it is the UK’s dedicated campaign to raise awareness of cholesterol, its role in cardiovascular health, and the practical steps people can take to manage their levels.