High levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can significantly increase your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol, travels through your bloodstream picking up LDL and transporting it to the liver for disposal. In some cases where LDL levels are higher than normal, LDL remains in the blood and attaches to artery walls, causing narrowing and decreased blood flow to the heart and brain. Your doctor can suggest ways to improve your cholesterol levels.
Niacin
Niacin is a B vitamin known as B3 that has been used since the 1950s for cholesterol management, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Used by the body to keep your nervous system, digestive system, skin, hair and eyes healthy, niacin also converts carbohydrates into energy. Given in high doses, it is widely recognized for the effect it has on HDL cholesterol and can increase HDL by 15 to 35 percent, MayoClinic.com reports. The use of high-dose niacin can cause side effects such as skin flushing, stomach upset, headache, dizziness and blurred vision. Niacin is available over-the-counter in the form of supplements and multivitamins. In contrast, high-dose niacin is available from your doctor by prescription only. You shouldn't take over-the-counter niacin without discussing it with your doctor first. Niacin can result in liver damage with long-term use and may interact with other cholesterol-lowering drugs that you're taking.
Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, it's possible to manage cholesterol levels by making some simple changes in lifestyle. Eat a heart-healthy diet to lower cholesterol and improve overall health. Consume whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. You should also avoid trans fats, which are present in commercially-baked cookies, cakes and crackers. In addition, since excess weight influences cholesterol, you should talk with your doctor about weight-loss strategy if you're overweight. The loss of just 5 or 10 lbs. can help to lower your cholesterol. Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week and select methods of exercise that you enjoy. Discussing exercise with your doctor prior to beginning any exercise program is always a good idea. Other lifestyle changes to consider are smoking and alcohol use. If you smoke, quit. It'll lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Alcohol should be limited to moderate use, which MayoClinic.com defines as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Other Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
In cases where lifestyle change isn't working to lower your cholesterol, you may require medication. There are several medications other than niacin available for managing cholesterol levels such as statins, resins, cholesterol-absorption inhibitors and fibrates. If you require medication, your doctor will need to decide what type of cholesterol medication will work best for you. In some cases, a combination of these medications will be more effective than the use of one single medication. Ask your doctor what options are available for you.
