Cholesterol problems are very common medical conditions. Fortunately, cholesterol levels can usually be treated simply by making some lifestyle changes, including altering your diet, exercising and quitting smoking. If these treatments fail, medications can be prescribed to get your cholesterol numbers to a healthy level.
Definition
Cholesterol is a substance in fat that travels through your blood. Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body produces it naturally and it is also found in food. You need cholesterol in order to build healthy cells. However, too much can cause serious health problems. As cholesterol moves through your arteries, it mixes with other substances to form plaque, fatty deposits that lines your blood vessels. Over time, plaque build ups and clogs your arteries. Eventually, this can lead to heart disease and possibly a heart attack or stroke.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is "bad" cholesterol that clogs your arteries. HDL is "good" cholesterol, which transports LDL out of the bloodstream and eventually out of the body. You should aim for lower LDL levels and higher HDL levels.
Diet
Your diet directly affects your cholesterol level. According to MayoClinic.com, a proper diet can help lower cholesterol more than medication. When trying to lower cholesterol, avoid saturated and trans fat. Limit your intake of dietary cholesterol found in foods such as meat and eggs. You should also try to incorporate fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables into your diet as much as possible.
Exercise
Consistent physical activity can improve your cholesterol. It is recommended that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. This can be broken up into several 10- or 15-minute sessions if it is more convenient. Walking, hiking, bike riding, swimming or anything that elevates your heart rate will work.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking can prove to be helpful in raising HDL levels. Aside from improving your cholesterol, quitting smoking helps lower your blood cholesterol and reduces your risk of heart disease.
Medication
If lifestyle alterations are not effective, you can be prescribed medication. The most common medications used are statins. Statins are used to block a substance your liver needs in order to produce cholesterol naturally. Other medications work by limiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol or helping to remove cholesterol from your bloodstream. The type of medication prescribed to you varies depending on several factors including age, health, risk factors and possible side effects.
