Picture this: You’re eating your favourite char kway teow at the hawker centre. Your friend mentions their health screening results. “My cholesterol is high,” they say. Sound familiar?

In Singapore, nearly 1 in 3 people have high cholesterol. That’s as common as complaining about MRT delays during rush hour.

What Is Cholesterol?

Let’s clear up a big myth first. Cholesterol isn’t all bad. Your body needs it to build healthy cells. It also helps make hormones. The problem happens when there’s too much in your blood.

Think of cholesterol like Singapore’s roads. When there are too many cars, you get traffic jams. Too much cholesterol creates “traffic jams” in your blood vessels.

The Two Main Types: HDL vs LDL

Cholesterol travels through your body in two main ways. Think of them as different types of transport.

HDL: The Good Guy

HDL cholesterol is like Singapore’s cleaning crew. It picks up extra cholesterol from your arteries. Then it takes it to your liver for disposal.

You want HDL levels of 1.0 mmol/L or higher. Think of HDL as the SG Clean team for your blood vessels.

LDL: The Troublemaker

LDL cholesterol is like drivers who double-park and cause jams. When LDL levels get too high, these particles stick to your artery walls. This creates blockages that narrow your blood vessels.

You want LDL levels below 2.6 mmol/L. Higher levels mean more “traffic jams” in your arteries.

Why Singapore’s Lifestyle Matters

Living in Singapore has unique challenges for cholesterol control. Our food culture loves rich flavours. We use lots of coconut milk and palm oil. We deep-fry many dishes.

Add our long work hours and Netflix habits. Many of us don’t move enough. The hot weather makes us prefer air-con over outdoor exercise.

All these factors can push cholesterol levels up.

The Silent Problem

Here’s what makes cholesterol tricky. It doesn’t give you obvious signs. You won’t get a fever or headache. High cholesterol works in secret.

You could feel perfectly fine while your arteries slowly get blocked. It’s like Orchard Road during a sale – busy and congested, but you don’t see it from inside the mall.

This is why regular health checks matter. At Health Outreach Programme (HOP) Singapore, we believe prevention beats cure. Our health screening packages catch these silent problems early.

Understanding Your Numbers

A healthy total cholesterol level in Singapore is less than 5.2 mmol/L. But what does this mean for you?

Your cholesterol test shows four main numbers:

Total Cholesterol: All cholesterol types added up LDL Cholesterol: The “bad” type that blocks arteries
HDL Cholesterol: The “good” type that cleans up Triglycerides: Another type of fat that can cause problems

When your total hits 5.7 mmol/L, it’s time to act. Don’t wait for it to get worse.

Smart Food Choices in Singapore

We won’t ask you to give up all your favourite foods. That’s like asking you to stop taking the MRT. Instead, make smarter choices.

Try these simple swaps:

• Pick steamed fish over fried fish at zi char stalls
• Choose brown rice when you can
• Ask for less oil in your dishes
• Balance rich meals with healthier options

The goal isn’t to stop enjoying food. It’s about finding a balance that keeps you healthy and happy.

Getting Active in Singapore

Exercise is like having a good traffic controller for your cholesterol. It helps raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol.

You don’t need an expensive gym membership. Try these instead:

• Take stairs instead of escalators at MRT stations
• Walk around park connectors near your home
• Join free classes at community centres
• Swim at public pools during quiet hours

Just 30 minutes of activity most days can make a big difference.

When to Get Tested

Most adults should check their cholesterol every 4-5 years. But you might need more frequent tests if you have:

• Family history of heart problems
• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Extra weight
• History of smoking

Our Express Health Screening makes testing easy for busy Singaporeans. The best part? No fasting needed. You can get your cholesterol checked in just 30 minutes, even after your morning kopi and toast.

Corporate Wellness Benefits

For companies reading this, think about cholesterol’s impact on your team. High cholesterol leads to heart problems. This means higher medical costs and more sick days.

HOP Singapore has 20 years of experience. We’ve screened over 800,000 people. We serve over 500 companies each year. Our corporate health screening programs show you care about your staff.

We’re also very efficient. We can screen over 100 people in 3 hours. Results come back in one week. Our blood-taking team has a 99% success rate with single needle pricks.

Big companies already trust us. Amazon Singapore, Sentosa, and Shopee use our services. Amazon’s HR Manager Jayce Liu says: “We’ve been able to create better wellness programs for our staff.”

Modern Testing Technology

Today’s cholesterol testing is better than ever. Our Executive Health Screening packages use advanced tools. These give you detailed insights about your heart health risks.

We have two convenient locations:

• Palais Renaissance (Orchard)
• CPF Building (Tampines)

Both centres have the latest equipment. This includes chest X-rays, ECG machines, and ultrasound systems.

What makes our screening easy:

• No fasting needed for express packages
• Complete screening in 30 minutes
• Results in 3 working days
• Free doctor consultation with every package
• Open Monday to Saturday

Simple Cholesterol Testing Options

Getting your cholesterol checked doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. We offer different packages for different needs:

Our Express Packages:

• 1-Series ($48 before GST): Basic cholesterol check with total, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides
• 3-Series ($138 before GST): Full package with liver, kidney, and thyroid tests
• 5-Series to 9-Series: Complete packages with cancer markers and heart tests

Every package includes the full cholesterol panel you need. You get Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides. Plus the ratios that show your heart risk level.

Managing Stress and Sleep

Cholesterol isn’t just about food and exercise. Singapore’s high-stress work life can raise cholesterol too. Poor sleep also affects your body’s ability to control cholesterol.

Simple stress busters:

• Take short breaks during work
• Try meditation apps
• Spend time with friends and family
• Find hobbies you enjoy

Better sleep habits:

• Aim for 7-8 hours nightly
• Keep your room cool and dark
• Avoid screens before bedtime
• Stay hydrated in our humid weather

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Understanding cholesterol is just the start. Here’s how to take control:

1. Get a baseline test to know your current levels
2. Talk to a doctor about your results
3. Make small, lasting changes to your lifestyle
4. Check regularly with follow-up tests
5. Stay informed about new cholesterol research

Remember, managing cholesterol is a long game. Small, steady changes work better than dramatic short-term fixes.

The Bottom Line

High cholesterol is common in Singapore, but it’s not unavoidable. With the right knowledge and regular checks, you can control your levels. This reduces your risk of heart problems.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Every small step helps your heart health.

At HOP Singapore, we make health screening easy and convenient. Our two decades of experience and locations at Orchard and Tampines make it simple to check your cholesterol health.

Why choose HOP Singapore:

• 45,000+ patients screened every year
• 99% success rate for blood draws
• Results in one week with free doctor chat
• Easy locations at Orchard and Tampines
• No fasting needed for express packages
• Affordable packages starting at $48

Don’t wait for warning signs that might never come. Take charge of your cholesterol today. Your future self will thank you.

For detailed cholesterol guidelines and support, visit the Singapore Heart Foundation for helpful resources.