High Cholesterol - All You Need To Know - Maximed Turkey
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can be a risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. So if your blood cholesterol is higher than 200 mg/dL,
you should be screened for high cholesterol to reduce your risk of heart attack
and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, it could also indicate that you are
at an increased risk for heart disease, so it is important to follow the
treatment plan recommended by your doctor.
If you experience frequent and significant side effects
from lipid-lowering drugs such as gastrointestinal problems and muscle pain,
consider instead starting a diet and exercise program with the help of a
registered dietician or personal trainer.
The ultimate goal of this regimen is to reduce your
total cholesterol and HDL levels. The total cholesterol reduction should be 20
to 30 percent, and the HDL level should be 40 percent or higher.
If you are not able to achieve these goals with
medication alone, you may have high cholesterol even though your LDL levels are
low. You are also more likely to have high cholesterol if you have other risk
factors for heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated
triglycerides, diabetes, or an inactive lifestyle.
The early detection of high cholesterol is important
because the earlier the treatment plan is initiated, the greater your chance of
lowering your blood lipid levels, especially if you experience serious side
effects from treatment. The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle
habits, including whether you have a history of high blood pressure or
dyslipidemia.
You may also be asked to perform a series of tests to
measure blood levels, such as the cholesterol profile and lipoprotein profile.
These two tests can also be used to test for metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
If your doctor determines that you have elevated
cholesterol levels, he or she will choose one of the three treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of pills and lifestyle changes, such as
diet and exercise interventions.
This approach is appropriate if you do not have other
risk factors for heart disease or if you are at low risk for heart disease
because your LDL levels are normal or low. Your doctor may recommend a new diet
that contains fewer calories but more nutrients.
The most important thing to remember is to maintain a
healthy lifestyle and focus on good dietary habits, which will lower your
cholesterol levels, your blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. This will also
help you control your weight by helping you achieve a healthy weight.
To make the proper lifestyle changes, you should not
only reduce the number of saturated fats in your diet but also begin eating
more vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. In addition to the
high-fiber foods that are recommended on a heart-healthy low-cholesterol diet,
be sure to drink plenty of water.
One of the most important lifestyle changes you can
make is to begin exercising regularly. If it is possible, try to fit in 30
minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking or running, at least five times a
week. The exercise will help improve your heart health, help you control your
weight, and keep your blood pressure from rising.
Your doctor may recommend that you take
cholesterol-lowering medications for a few days to a few months. If these treatments
prove ineffective, you may be instructed to increase or change your medication
dosage or to take a different kind of drug altogether.
You may also be asked to take other medications, such
as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to help
decrease the pain and inflammation caused by your cholesterol problem.
Your doctor will also ask you to follow a heart-healthy
diet that limits fat, cholesterol, and sodium while increasing fiber, calcium,
and magnesium. You will likely be advised to eat more fruits and vegetables,
yogurt, or cottage cheese instead of fatty foods like hamburgers and steaks.
Try to limit your intake of saturated fats, which are found in meats like
steak, bacon, pork chops, chicken breast, full-fat dairy products like whole
milk cheese or butter.
Frequently Asked Questions Cholestrol
What Is The Difference Between A High-Cholesterol Diet And A Heart-Healthy Diet?
A heart-healthy diet is a nutritious, balanced way of
eating that helps avoid high cholesterol. The key to following a heart-healthy
diet is to limit saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium in your daily diet and
increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and other
lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. You'll also want to make sure you drink
plenty of water and other healthy fluids every day. The high-cholesterol diet,
on the other hand, suggests eating foods that contain large amounts of
cholesterol, such as eggs and organ meats like brain and liver.
Should I Take A Cholesterol Pill If My Cholesterol Levels Are Low?
No. Cholesterol is important for the proper functioning
of your body. According to current medical opinion, you should not be treated
with drugs to lower your cholesterol until high levels of LDL or total
cholesterol put you at risk for heart disease or stroke.