Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, is commonly referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. Patients with high levels of this form of cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is a condition in which cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to become narrow and hard. A number of steps can be taken to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, ranging from dietary changes to prescription medications.
Step 1
Adopt the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet. This diet plan, also known as the TLC diet, is designed to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. One aspect of the diet involves limiting calories to help you either maintain or lose weight. Patients following the TLC diet should also limit the amount of trans fats, cholesterol and saturated fats in their diets, as all three of these substances can increase LDL cholesterol levels. A diet that is high in soluble fiber, which includes foods like kidney beans, oatmeal and apples will also help lower LDL cholesterol. Finally, the TLC diet includes eating foods that have cholesterol-lowering compounds, such as plant sterols or stanol esters. These compounds can be found in some types of margarine, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes.
Step 2
Increase your physical activity. Regular exercise can also help lower your LDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that people exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for at least four days per week. Choose an activity that you enjoy, such as jogging, swimming, biking or walking briskly.
Step 3
Lose weight. Being overweight can dramatically increase your LDL cholesterol levels, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains. Losing weight is especially important for patients who have a condition known as metabolic syndrome, in which their LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high and their HDL cholesterol levels are low. Women with metabolic syndrome have a waist greater than 35 inches around; men have a waist greater than 40 inches. Patients with metabolic syndrome can benefit greatly by losing as few as 10 lbs. via modifications to their diet and by beginning an exercise program.
Step 4
Take prescription cholesterol-lowering medications. These medications, which include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, bile acid binding resins and prescription strength niacin can all improve your LDL cholesterol levels, Family Doctor explains. All of these medications have side effects, however, so you should talk with your doctor before starting any of these medications to make sure that they will not exacerbate any existing conditions that you may have.
Step 5
Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are able to help lower your cholesterol, the MayoClinic.com explains. Patients can take supplements sold over-the-counter, or they can take a prescription omega-3 fatty acid supplement called Lovaza.
