A new report has warned that immediate action must be taken to tackle cholesterol levels in Scotland.

The report, published by Heart UK, states that raised cholesterol levels can increase the likelihood of strokes and heart disease. Cholesterol related illnesses are affecting both the physical and economic health of Scotland, costing the economy an estimated £1.8 billion a year.

This figure is set to worsen as the population ages. Heart UK has said that more should be done to lower cholesterol levels.

The report also claims that by 2020 heart disease will be the single biggest cause of disablement in the UK.

To combat this, researchers called for more cardio-vascular risk assessment, including cholesterol testing.

Greater action must also be taken within the NHS, with reviews of their cholesterol–lowering targets and the treatment of more patients through the wider provision of the appropriate drugs.

Michael Livingstone, director of Heart UK, explained recently: "If Scotland and the rest of the UK are to avoid a demographic timebomb and maintain the welfare state, then we need to tackle the issue of high cholesterol levels.

“The death rate from cardiovascular disease and heart disease in particular in Scotland still remains one of the highest in Europe.

“While this may have declined significantly in recent years, the number of people living with the disease has continued to rise.”

Shona Robinson, Public Health Minister said that statistics showed that there had been a fall in deaths from strokes and coronary heart disease (CHD).

She told the BBC: "The first step in lowering cholesterol and in turn reducing rates of CHD is persuading people to make lifestyle changes.

"We are taking forward a range of work to encourage people to take more exercise, eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce their salt, sugar and fat intake."