A waxy substance produced by the body naturally is known as cholesterol. Our body requires some cholesterol to make healthy living cells, hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you to digest foods. As such, a certain level of cholesterol is essential for the body’s normal functioning.
Small packets of lipoproteins carry the cholesterol through our bloodstream to different parts of the body. There are two types of lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
A certain standard level of both types of lipoproteins is important for our body. However, excessively high levels of cholesterol, particularly, LDL cholesterol can lead to serious health problems including clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke.
LDL cholesterol is produced by the liver and is used by the body to build cell walls, hormones, and digestive juices. A high level of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol, can lead to building up of cholesterol deposits in your arteries. This plaque-like substance on the walls of your cardiovascular system interferes with the normal flow of blood through the arteries leaving you at severe risk for heart attacks and strokes. Even though a person might be at a long-term risk, there are several safe and effective high LDL cholesterol treatment options.
The HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is called the“good” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from different parts of our body to our liver. The liver breaks down the cholesterol and excretes it along with other wastes from our body.
Signs and symptoms of high cholesterol
There are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood cholesterol. Many people are not even aware that their cholesterol levels are high until they develop a coronary artery disease. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol.
Ideally, after the age of 20, you should get your cholesterol levels checked once in every five years. However, the recommended age of first screening may vary.
If your test results are not within the desired range or if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or other risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend tests at frequent intervals.
High LDL cholesterol treatment options
There are several options for high LDL cholesterol treatment, such as:
- Lifestyle changes are important for high LDL cholesterol treatment. It includes a healthy diet, weight management, and physical activity.
- Your doctor will usually prescribe a diet depending on your risk levels.
- Foods recommended for High LDL Cholesterol Treatment.
- Foods with a high level of soluble fiber including whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal and oat bran, fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges and pears and legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas and black-eyed peas.
- Fish, such as salmon, tuna (canned or fresh), and mackerel are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They protect the heart from blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack.
- Plant-based diets can also help clear plaque buildup in your arteries.
Foods to avoid during High LDL Cholesterol Treatment
- Saturated fats found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods.
- Trans, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats
- Foods high in cholesterol
- Try to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet.
- Alcohol raises your blood pressure and triglyceride level. Limit your daily intake of alcohol.
- The amounts of cholesterol, sodium and the types of fat in prepared foods can be found on the packet “Nutrition Facts” labels.
Weight management is an important part of high LDL cholesterol treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers the level of LDL cholesterol and the associated risk of heart disease and other health issues such as diabetes. A simple exercise routine can go a long way in controlling your LDL cholesterol level. A regular 30-minute walk or a simple aerobic routine of 60 minutes is all you need to maintain a healthy level of LDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol-lowering Medicines
Depending on your level of risk (high LDL cholesterol), your doctor may prescribe medicines for high LDL cholesterol treatment, in addition to lifestyle changes.
There is no known cure for high cholesterol levels. Medicines can only help in controlling blood cholesterol levels. However, you should continue taking your medicine to keep your cholesterol levels within the recommended range.
The five major types of medicines that help reduce cholesterol levels are:
- Statins
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Nicotinic acid
- Fibrates
- Ezetimibe
Supplements
There are various dietary supplements, available in the markets that are recommended for high LDL cholesterol treatment. Omega-3 fish oils, artichoke extract, and green tea extract are a few of the natural products that can help to reduce the level of LDL cholesterol. However, there is no their effectiveness is not proven by any scientific study.
You can continue with your medication along with lifestyle changes and supplements to keep your LDL cholesterol in check. Ideally, your doctor would recommend the right balance of these three options for your high LDL cholesterol treatment. It is advisable to stick to his advice under all circumstances.
