How to Bring Down Cholesterol

RESOURCE:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/27638-bring-down-cholesterol/#

Overview

High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. While not all cholesterol is bad, high levels of LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) can result in the formation of plaque, or fatty deposits, inside arterial walls. This makes it more difficult for blood to travel through the arteries, potentially leading to coronary blockages, heart attack or death. Fortunately, it is possible to bring down cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes and medications.

Step 1

Eat a diet low in saturated fat and trans fat. While poly and unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated and trans fats, your total fat intake should account for less than 35 percent of your daily caloric intake, according to experts at the University of Michigan Health System.

Step 2

Limit your daily intake of dietary cholesterol to 300 mg or less. If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, your doctor may recommend limiting your intake to 200 mg or less each day.

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Step 3

Exercise for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, walking and jogging, can help bring down cholesterol levels. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, especially if you already suffer from heart disease.

Step 4

Stop smoking to reduce levels of bad cholesterol, and increase levels of good cholesterol. Quitting smoking will also improve your breathing, making it possible for you to become more physically active.

Step 5

Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Losing weight will help reduce your cholesterol while improving your overall health. Eating fewer calories, engaging in regular physical activity and making healthier food choices are excellent ways to lose weight and keep it off.

Step 6

Take a statin drug to lower your cholesterol levels. Statins are typically the first medication prescribed to treat high cholesterol, and they are usually more effective at lowering bad cholesterol levels than other medications. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states that studies of patients taking statins report a 20 to 60 percent reduction in LDL levels.

Step 7

Try another cholesterol-lowering medication if you cannot take statins or if your levels are not controlled by statins alone. Bile acid sequestrants, fibrates and niacin-based drugs all work to lower serum cholesterol levels.