Does Fitness Protect You From High Cholesterol? Insights from Professor Dan Augustine with the Global Cycling Network
- Sports Cardiology UK
- Jun 13
- 1 min read
Leading cardiologist and Sports Cardiology UK's medical director Professor Dan Augustine recently sat down with Connor from Global Cycling Network to discuss whether keeping fit keeps you safe from high cholesterol.
It's a common assumption that keeping fit and active prevents high cholesterol. But as professional cyclist Connor Dunne found out, the reality can be far more nuanced.
In the conversation on Global Cycling Network's YouTube channel, Professor Augustine unpacks what cholesterol actually is and why even athletes aren’t immune to elevated levels.
“Cholesterol is essential for life,” says Prof Augustine, “but the wrong mix can quietly increase your risk of heart disease, even if you feel great on the outside.”
Through a breakdown of Connor’s own test results, the discussion uncovers some surprising truths:
Why 'high cholesterol' isn’t always bad news
Why total cholesterol doesn't tell the full story
The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol
How genetics, age, and lifestyle affect cholesterol in complex ways
What athletes and recreational exercisers should be monitoring as they age
You can feel fine, train hard, and still have silent risk factors.
Knowing your numbers (not just guessing based on lifestyle) matters.
Personalised insight, whether through testing or expert support, is essential, especially as we age.
If you want to gain an insight into your cardiac health, get in touch with Professor Augustine and our team at Sports Cardiology UK. We offer heart screening, cardiac tests, assessment and more for athletes and recreational exercises of all ages and abilities.
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