When cholesterol accumulates in excess, it can build deposits in your blood vessels and block the flow of blood through your arteries. As the blood flow decreases, your chance of a stroke increases. High cholesterol has been shown to be hereditary, but treatable. With regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoidance of certain unhealthy foods, you can keep your cholesterol levels at an acceptable level without worry.
Step 1
Get your cholesterol levels tested by your doctor. According to the American Heart Association, your doctor will draw a small amount of blood from your arm and send it to a lab for analysis. The results you receive will be a baseline and tell you exactly where you stand. Your doctor may request that you not eat anything for several hours before the blood sample is drawn to ensure proper readings.
Step 2
Make aerobic exercise a part of your daily routine--30 minutes of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise will help you maintain a healthy cholesterol metabolism, according to the American Council of Exercise. With consistent and high levels of aerobic exercise, your cholesterol level should fall by 10 to 20 percent after 12 to 16 weeks.
Step 3
Eat foods to keep your cholesterol levels low, such as whole grains, oatmeal and foods high in fiber such as bananas and apples. According to the Mayo Clinic, incorporating these high-fiber foods can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. HDL, or "good cholesterol," should be above 40 mg/dl, while LDL, or "bad cholesterol," should be below 100 mg/dl. A composite score below 200 is considered ideal.
