Do you know what your cholesterol level is? Chances are you're one of the nine in ten people who haven't a clue. What's more, if you're below 35 it's probably the last thing on your mind.

By the age of 35, more than one in two adults has raised cholesterol which can lead to heart disease - the number one killer in the UK. Without a trip to the doctor for a test, raised cholesterol is hard to detect. As the symptoms are hard to detect, people often don't realise they have a problem until it's almost too late.

Quaker and Heart Research UK have launched a joint campaign to raise awareness of the issue and to lobby the government to conduct research to assess whether the national age for free NHS cholesterol testing should be reduced from 50 to 35.

If detected early enough, then simple lifestyle changes can help to naturally lower your chances of suffering from high cholesterol levels. Here are some tips on how to begin today.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fat

This is found in fatty meats and full fat dairy products. Try opting for soya milk, low fat cheese and sliced cold meats as healthier alternatives.

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Five a day is the bare minimum you should be consuming on a daily basis. Even a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (non -concentrate is best) counts as one serving. Aim to have at least two vegetables with every main meal and a fruit based desert such as banana and yoghurt.

• Eat more soluble fibre

Dietary fibre can be found in fruits such as kiwis, lentils, barley, cereals and vegetables such as peas all this helps keep the digestive system healthy. Get your daily fix by tucking into a bowl of Quaker oats with some chopped banana with a slice of grapefruit every morning.