This reduces mainly low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, raises high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol , and may lower triglyceride levels.
The AHA also notes that statins are a cholesterol-lowering drug class that research has directly linked to a reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. Other medications may include:. Supplements such as niacin and omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role. A person should consult a doctor to help them find a medication for lowering cholesterol that works for them.
Although they might not produce results as quickly as medications do, a person may notice their cholesterol levels drop in just a few weeks or months if they stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle plan. Plant foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients, and they do not contain cholesterol.
Most plant foods also do not contain saturated fats , which may increase cholesterol in the body. A study found that the people who ate vegetarian diets had significantly lower cholesterol levels than the participants following omnivorous diets. The authors also note that some targeted diets using plant foods might cause stronger effects. For example, a diet rich in soluble fiber , plant sterols, and vegetable protein sources , such as soy and nuts , reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of These effects continue over the long term.
People who need to reduce their cholesterol quickly can work with a dietitian to create a targeted diet plan. While adding plant foods to the diet increases fiber intake naturally, it may also be helpful to take a fiber supplement or over-the-counter fiber drink to support the body. Fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and may help prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol. Avoiding trans fats from foods such as fried foods, shelf-stable foods, and baked goods is important for cholesterol health.
Saturated fats in excess can disrupt cholesterol activity in the body. Saturated fats may ultimately add to high cholesterol levels. That would be — calories worth of saturated fats for a person who eats 2, calories per day. Individuals who smoke tobacco generally have lower levels of HDL cholesterol and elevated levels of other cholesterols, such as blood LDL levels.
If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood to form plaque. Plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries. This buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis. It can lead to coronary artery disease , where your coronary arteries become narrow or even blocked. They are a combination of fat lipid and protein. The lipids need to be attached to the proteins so they can move through the blood. Different types of lipoproteins have different purposes:.
Genetics may also cause people to have high cholesterol. For example, familial hypercholesterolemia FH is an inherited form of high cholesterol. Other medical conditions and certain medicines may also cause high cholesterol. If you have large deposits of plaque in your arteries, an area of plaque can rupture break open.
This can cause a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow in a coronary artery. If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, it can cause angina chest pain or a heart attack. Plaque also can build up in other arteries in your body, including the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to your brain and limbs.
This can lead to problems such as carotid artery disease , stroke , and peripheral arterial disease. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high cholesterol. There is a blood test to measure your cholesterol level.
When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. Risk markers and the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
See also After a flood, are food and medicines safe to use? Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol? Get moving Cholesterol concerns?
Lose excess pounds Cholesterol level: Can it be too low? Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate? Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism? Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Prickly pear cactus Eggs and cholesterol Eggs: Bad for cholesterol?
Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health? Five foods to lower your cholesterol Flaxseed best when ground Hashimoto's disease HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease Herbal supplements and heart drugs High cholesterol High cholesterol in children High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism and joint pain? Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems?
Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid Is your diet hurting your heart? Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol? Is there a risk of rhabdomyolysis from statins?
Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol? Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? Statins: Should you be on one? The power of a plant-based diet for heart health Trans fat: A double whammy Trans fat Trans fat substitutes: Not a slam dunk Triglycerides: Why do they matter? VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful? Wilson's syndrome: An accepted medical diagnosis? Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
ART Home Top 5 lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol. Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. When it comes to dairy, this is a big area where picking a healthier alternative can be an easy win. For items like cheese, milk, cream and yogurt, use low-fat dairy products instead of the regular versions.
Who knows? It could become your next craving. Making these changes is helpful because full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat as well as cholesterol. Just as you can change what you buy in the grocery store, you can also choose healthier ways to make your food that help lower your cholesterol naturally. For example:. When you do need to add fat for cooking, baking or pan frying, use healthy oils instead of solid fats like butter, margarine, shortening and lard.
Solid fats are high in saturated fats, but oils are high in un saturated fats, which — remember — are better for you. The American Heart Association AHA recommends using oils that have less than 4 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and no trans fats.
Try using olive oil, sunflower oil or grapeseed oil in place of a solid fat. You might also bring out some new, surprising, subtle flavors, too. Plus, many vegetarian meals are just as flavorful and filling as their meaty cousins. For dessert, add some fresh blueberries, strawberries and oats to low-fat vanilla yogurt. The key here is to build up a routine, like making every Tuesday night vegetarian night.
Once that becomes the norm, try expanding to different nights, or add a weekly vegetarian lunch, too. Over time, these modifications can really add up and pay off.
This includes raising good HDL cholesterol, managing blood pressure levels and many other heart-healthy benefits.
Do you need to start running every day?
0コメント