How to Manage High Cholesterol

August 24th, 2009 · No Comments

You know your cholesterol numbers, and they are not good. You know your risk factors, and they aren’t looking so good either. Your doctor has talked to you about your high cholesterol, and has possibly prescribed medication. Now what do you do?

Actually, there are a number of things your can do to manage your high cholesterol and possibly even lower your numbers to a healthy level. You can bring those lousy LDL numbers down and raise those HDL numbers up to a healthy, happy level by making a few lifestyle changes.

Managing High Cholesterol

There are five main ways you can manage your high cholesterol.

Follow a heart-healthy diet. Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet can help you reach your cholesterol goals. When you choose to eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats including chicken and fish, and low-fat milk products you are well on your way to lowering your cholesterol.
Keep your weight under control. If you need to lose weight, follow the heart-healthy diet mentioned above. Not everyone who has high cholesterol are overweight, but many people do weigh more than they should. If you carry excess weight around your waist, you are at risk of heart disease.
Keep Active. Most people who are at risk for heart disease have led an inactive lifestyle. Just 30 minutes a day could make a huge difference in lowering your cholesterol. If you do activities that you most enjoy, you will more likely stay active. Even such activities as gardening or dancing can have a positive effect on your cholesterol.
Take your medicine. If the doctor has prescribed medication to help control your cholesterol, do not stop taking your medicine. If necessary, use a pill box or some other reminder to make sure you take all medications in the right amount and at the correct times.
Stop smoking. If you don’t smoke, by all means do not start. If you do smoke, find a good program that will help you quit.

Putting it all together

Because our unhealthy lifestyle is what probably got us into this situation in the first place, although maybe we can blame it on our family tree, living a healthy lifestyle can help us prevent a serious health situation.

Start by eating nutritious meals. If you struggle with losing weight, join a weight-loss group. Find someone to workout with or who is willing to participate in your favorite activity. Gather a group of people around you who like to stay active.

Do whatever it takes to quit smoking, and be sure to take your medicine. Make it a part of your routine on a daily basis.

By making these five life-style changes, you can lower your bad cholesterol numbers, raise your healthy numbers. Learn how to manage your high cholesterol, and live a life free of the worry of heart disease or heart attacks.