Research in the UK shows that 62 per cent of people under 40 have never had a cholesterol test, with only one in 10 saying they have asked their doctor to test them for high cholesterol.

Furthermore, almost 40 per cent have never looked into whether there is a history of high cholesterol in their family, while almost 30 per cent know there is a history but have never spoken to their GP about it.

According to the Global Health Observatory of the World Health Organisation, raised total cholesterol is a major cause of disease burden in both the developed and developing world as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Commenting on the findings of the study, Rob Winwood, scientist at DSM Nutritional Products, the maker of OatWell, pointed out that, “Familial Hypercholesterolaemia or FH is a lesser known way of getting cholesterol and it is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, but is passed from generation to generation. Statistics show that at least one in 500 of the population have FH, and without treatment people with FH, can die prematurely of heart disease in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. However, if detected early, raised cholesterol levels are manageable by making simple lifestyle changes.”

One in seven were not aware that eating foods high in saturated fats can contribute to high cholesterol, almost a third did not know that a sedentary lifestyle is a contributing factor, while more than 60 per cent were not aware of the risks of high alcohol consumption when it comes to cholesterol levels.

The study also shows a lack of understanding from many under 40s as to what can lead to high cholesterol. Almost a quarter of those surveyed did not know it can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack or angina.