How to Deal With High Cholesterol Problems

A healthy cholesterol level is under 200 milligrams per deciliter.

Unfortunately, almost 94 million people in the US aged 20 and above have levels higher than that. On top of that are 28 million individuals with total cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dL!

That’s concerning, as high cholesterol problems can contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). That includes atherosclerosis, a risk factor for heart attacks, stroke, or death.

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage unhealthy cholesterol levels. We listed to top ones below, so be sure to read on.

Lose the Extra Pounds

Shedding even only 5% to 10% of your body weight can help trim high cholesterol levels. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, aim to lose at least 10 pounds first. Once you’ve achieved that goal, you’re more likely to remain motivated to lose the other 10 pounds.

Mind What You Eat

Triglycerides are fats converted from unused calories that you get from food. The body stores these into fat cells, which it would use later as an energy source.

The thing is, excessive triglyceride levels usually co-occur with high cholesterol levels.

For that reason, you want to lower both triglyceride and cholesterol levels. One of the best ways to do that is to avoid or limit your intake of foods packed with saturated fats and trans fats. That includes red meat, dairy, baked goods, and fried dishes.

By contrast, it’s best if you build your meals around fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. It’s also wise to switch to oils with monounsaturated fats, such as canola oil, olive oil, and sesame oil. According to experts, these healthy oils can help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Move It

Putting more pep into your step is one of the healthiest ways to lose weight. After all, exercise triggers your body to convert more stored fats into energy. As a result, it also helps the body chip away at its supply of stored triglycerides.

What’s more, aerobic exercise helps boost high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the body. HDL cholesterol is what health experts refer to as the “good” cholesterol. It’s beneficial since it aids in trimming down triglyceride levels.

Take Prescription Medications

What if your cholesterol levels remain high after losing weight and eating healthily? In that case, you may already need medical high cholesterol treatment.

Fortunately, high cholesterol medications, especially statins, are safe and effective. Statins can even reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by as much as 60%. They also have an excellent safety profile, provided patients take them as prescribed.

Because of their benefits, statins are often the first-line therapy for high cholesterol.

Today, doctors prescribe various statins, including rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and fluvastatin. Just remember, though, that these drugs work best when paired with diet and exercise.

Control Your High Cholesterol Problems ASAP

Please remember that high cholesterol problems can lead to chronic health woes. Experts even link excessive cholesterol levels to one-third of ischemic heart disease cases.

That should be enough reason to keep your cholesterol levels in check. So, visit a cardiologist as soon as possible. That way, the heart doctor can guide you on proper weight loss, dieting, and medications.

Would you like to read other informative articles like this? Then feel free to check out our recent blog posts!

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