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High Blood Cholesterol TreatmentThe treatment goal for people diagnosed with high blood cholesterol is to lower their LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and raise their HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Common treatments include: Lifestyle changesSeveral lifestyle changes can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some people also need to take prescription medications. Eating a Healthy DietThe following dietary modifications are recommended by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: - Total fat
- Total fat should be no more than 25% to 35% of the daily calories.
- Foods containing monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are a better choice than foods containing saturated fats and trans fat.
- Saturated fat
- Saturated fat should be less than 7% of the total daily calories.
- Foods containing saturated fats include certain vegetable oils (coconut oil, cottonseed oil, and palm oil), dairy products (butter and cheese), and meat.
- Trans fatty acids
- Trans fatty acids (trans fat) should be less than 1% of the total daily calories.
- Foods that list "hydrogenated oils" or "partially hydrogenated oils" on the label contain trans fatty acids.
- Monosaturated fats
- Monosaturated fats should be less than 20% of the total daily calories.
- Foods containing monosaturated fats include nuts, avocados, and certain vegetable oils (canola oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and peanut oil).
- Polyunsaturated fats
- Polyunsaturated fats should be less than 10% of the total daily calories.
- Foods containing polyunsaturated fat include certain vegetable oils (corn oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil), fatty fish (bass, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna), and soybeans.
- Total cholesterol
- Total cholesterol should be less than 200 milligrams per day
- Total carbohydrates
- To lower triglyceride levels, total carbohydrate consumption should be less than 50% of the total daily calories.
- Simple sugars (such as sucrose) and alcohol should be avoided.
- Soluble plant fiber
- Soluble plant fiber should be increased 10 to 25 grams per day
- Foods containing soluble plant fiber include leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and whole fruits
Managing weight- People should eat sufficient calories to maintain a healthy weight as determined by their healthcare provider.
- A healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate diet and physical activity program for people who are overweight.
Physical activityIn 2007, the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine issued new exercise guidelines. Their new recommendation is for healthy adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days each week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes three days a week. In addition, the guidelines add that exercise above the recommended minimum amounts provides even greater health benefits. - Moderate-intensity aerobic activity is any exercise that noticeably accelerates the heart rate, such as a brisk walk or light jogging.
- Vigorous-intensity exercise is any exercise that causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate, such as jogging.
Stop smokingAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): - Cigarette smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers.
- Cigarette smoking approximately doubles a person’s risk of having a stroke.
According to the American Heart Association: - The health benefits of smoking cessation start almost immediately.
- Within a few years of quitting, a person's risk of coronary artery disease and stroke are similar to non-smokers.
Reducing alcohol consumption- Regular or excessive alcohol use may raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and alcohol use should be restricted.
- Men should limit their alcohol to no more than two alcoholic beverages a day and women should limit their alcohol to no more than one alcoholic beverage a day.
- Because alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients, its consumption should be limited by people who are trying to lose weight.
Testing cholesterol at homeSome people use home kits to test their cholesterol levels at home. Simple kits only test total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels. More sophisticated kits provide complete lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides). The kits require people to prick a finger, put a drop of blood on a treated paper, and wait for the test results. The test results are obtained by: - Comparing the color of the treated paper to a chart.
- Reading the test results on the display screen of an electronic device.
- Or, mailing the test strips to a certified laboratory.
A doctor is the best judge of treatment decisions based on cholesterol test results. back to top MedicationsSome people require a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to control their LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They work closely with their doctor to identify which drug or drugs work best for them. People should ask their doctor or pharmacist in advance for possible drug side effects or interactions. They should also inform their doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. The following list of medications isn't inclusive. Additional information, side effects, and drug interactions can be obtained by clicking the name of the highlighted medications. A doctor should be notified if any severe reactions occur. It's important not to stop taking a cholesterol-lowering medication without notifying a doctor in advance. StatinsStatin drugs (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which the liver needs to make cholesterol. Statins lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Bile acid sequestrantsBile acid sequestrants (resins) bind the bile acids in the intestine. The bile acids are then excreted, which reduces the supply of bile acids to the liver. The liver uses cholesterol to produce additional bile acids, thus lowering the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. NiacinNiacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) reduces LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol, and reduces triglyceride levels in the blood. Prescription niacin is preferred to the dietary supplement niacin. FibratesFibrates are used to reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. They are usually combined with statins. back to top Complementary and Alternative MedicineAlternative medicine refers to those medical and healthcare treatments that are not part of traditional medicine. Complementary medicine combines traditional and alternative treatments. The following nontraditional therapies help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some of these therapies haven't been well studied, and little information is available about their effectiveness, side effects, and drug interactions. It's important to discuss any of these therapies with a doctor before trying them. Artichoke Leaf ExtractArtichoke leaf extract is made from the lower leaves of the artichoke plant. Studies indicate that artichoke leaf extract may lower LDL cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as fish oil) that are not made by the body. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure, help people with cardiovascular disease, and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Two types of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). DHA and EPA have been shown to decrease triglyceride levels and may raise HDL cholesterol levels. Food sources include fatty fish (bass, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna). Niacin (vitamin B3)
When taken at very high doses, niacin raises HDL cholesterol, and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Although available as a dietary supplement, prescription niacin is preferred. Plant Sterols and StanolsPlant sterols and stanols lower LDL cholesterol levels in the blood by blocking the absorption of cholesterol. Small amounts of sterols and stanols are found in many fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and vegetable oils. Fortified foods with higher levels of sterols and stanols include margarine, salad dressings, and snack bars. Dietary supplements are also available. Soy proteinSoy protein lowers total cholesterol, and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
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