EFind out ‘What Should I Do If My Cholesterol Is High?’ When you hear the word “cholesterol,” you might immediately think of it as something that’s bad for your health. While too much cholesterol can indeed be harmful, it’s also an essential substance that your body needs to function properly.
Cholesterol helps your body make hormones and Vitamin D, among other things. However, having high cholesterol can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Facts
Before we discuss what you should do if you have high lipid, it’s essential to understand what lipid is and how it affects your health. lipid is a fatty substance that’s found in the blood. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is often called “good” lipid because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your blood.
Causes Explored
Several factors can cause high lipid levels in the blood, including genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and other health conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism. High lipid can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
High lipid does not usually cause any symptoms. In most cases, it can only be detected through a blood test. Therefore, it’s essential to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for high lipid.
What Should I Do If My Cholesterol Is High?
If you have high cholesterol, there are several things you can do to lower it and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Change Your Diet One of the most effective ways to lower your lipid is by changing your diet. A diet that’s high in saturated and trans fats can increase your cholesterol levels. Therefore, it’s essential to reduce your intake of these fats. Instead, you should eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You should also limit your intake of processed and sugary foods.
- Increase Your Physical Activity Regular physical activity can help lower your lipid levels. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Quit Smoking Smoking can raise your lipid levels and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you smoke, it’s essential to quit as soon as possible. Quitting smoking can also help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of other health problems, such as lung cancer and emphysema.
- Take Medications In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to lower your lipid levels. In such cases, your doctor may recommend medications to help lower your lipid. These medications may include statins, bile acid sequestrants, niacin, and fibric acid derivatives.
- Manage Other Health Conditions If you have other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hypothyroidism, it’s essential to manage them properly. These conditions can increase your risk of high lipid and heart disease. Therefore, it’s essential to work with your doctor to manage these conditions and reduce your risk of complications.
