Thousands of people in the UK share a common problem with Jordanians and Mexicans – they have untreated high cholesterol, according to a global study published yesterday.
Some 147 million people have been involved in a World Health Organisation study showing that "most" people with the problem are not getting the treatment they need.
Researchers found that in Japan 53 per cent of those with the problem had been diagnosed – but were not getting any treatment.
In Thailand, 78 per cent of those with the problem had not been diagnosed.
Writing in the WHO Bulletin, researchers named England, Scotland, Germany, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Thailand and the USA as countries with the problem.
Researcher Dr Gregory Roth, of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, USA, said: "Cholesterol-lowering medication is widely available, highly effective and can play an essential role in reducing cardiovascular disease around the world.
"Despite these facts, effective medication coverage for control of high cholesterol remains disappointingly low."
Dr Shanthi Mendis, of WHO, said: "Simple lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco use, regular physical activity and healthy diets can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
"Medication to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure may be necessary if the risk is very high."
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