Aims and intended learning outcomes The aim of this article is to look at the relevance of managing hyperlipidaemia through diet, in particular for those groups with a higher than average risk of raised cholesterol levels. After reading this article you should be able to: ■Describe how blood cholesterol is related to coronary heart disease (CHD) ■Summarise the ways in which blood cholesterol levels can be lowered ■Identify those patients who may be at higher risk of developing coronary heart disease ■Offer appropriate advice to patients regarding their individual risk factors for CHD.