According to the American Heart Association, LDL (low-density lipoproteins) is a type of cholesterol found in the blood stream. It is responsible for a large amount of the cholesterol transportation that takes place. However, when too much LDL is present, it begins to buildup along the walls of the arteries, blocking the flow of blood to the heart. Over time, this can cause clots, which can result in heart attacks and strokes. To reduce your risk of these occurring, you need to reduce your LDL levels.
Step 1
Quit smoking. Reduction of LDL levels sometimes depends on HDL (good cholesterol) levels. HDL is responsible for carrying excess LDL out of the blood stream. The higher your HDL levels, the more LDL it can carry away. When you quit smoking, your HDL levels increase, helping to reduce your LDL cholesterol.
Step 2
Eat more good fats. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids help lower LDL cholesterol. The foods richest in these are fresh water fish, such as salmon, halibut and trout, along with ground flaxseed and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. It is also available in supplement form which is available at your local drug stores and supermarkets.
Step 3
Find plant sterols. Plant sterols and stanols are substances found in plants which help block the absorption of cholesterol. Certain foods are now fortified with these substances and include orange juice, margarine and yogurt drinks. The experts at Mayo Clinic state that to see results, you need to consume two, 8 oz. glasses of plant sterol fortified orange juice a day. This can reduce your LDL levels by 10 percent when consumed on a consistent basis.
Step 4
Eat more oatmeal. Oatmeal is a fantastic source of soluble fiber, a substance which absorbs cholesterol intestinally. To reap its benefits, you need to consume 10 grams of soluble fiber each day, which is fairly easy to do. For breakfast, enjoy 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal which contains six grams. Then add a piece of fruit for an additional 4 grams. Additional sources of soluble fiber include pears, apples, prunes and kidney beans.
Step 5
Take a statin. According to the National Institutes of Health, statins are the most effective prescription drug for lowering LDL cholesterol. They work by controlling the rate at which cholesterol is produced in the body, and lower LDL by as much as 20 to 60 percent.
Currently there are five statins on the market: lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin andatorvastatin. Use of these drugs have resulted in a reduction of heart attacks due to high cholesterol.
