High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but too much can build up in blood vessels and increase the risk of:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Blocked arteries

Types of cholesterol

  • LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Too much is harmful
  • HDL (“good” cholesterol): Helps protect your heart
  • Triglycerides: Another blood fat linked to heart disease

👉 Goal of Treatment
Our main goal is to reduce LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

Why is high cholesterol important?

High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, but over time it can:

  • Narrow blood vessels
  • Reduce blood flow to the heart and brain
  • Increase the risk of serious heart problems

That’s why treatment is important even if you feel well.

How can you lower cholesterol?

1️⃣ Healthy eating

Focus on:

  • Vegetables and fruits (every day)
  • Whole grains (brown bread, oats, brown rice)
  • Lean proteins (fish, chicken, beans, lentils)
  • Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)

Limit:

  • Fried foods
  • Red and processed meat (sausage, bacon)
  • Butter, ghee, cream, full-fat dairy
  • Pastries, sweets, fast food

2️⃣ Physical activity

  • Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week
  • Walking, cycling, swimming all help
  • Even small increases in activity make a difference

3️⃣ Weight and lifestyle

  • Losing 5–10% of body weight can lower cholesterol
  • Avoid smoking
  • Limit alcohol

4️⃣ Medications (if prescribed)

Some people need medication (such as statins) because:

  • Diet alone may not be enough
  • Risk of heart disease is higher

💊 Cholesterol medications are safe and effective for most people and help protect your heart long-term.

Important reminders

  • Take medications every day as prescribed
  • Do not stop medication without talking to your doctor
  • Blood tests are needed to monitor progress

When to contact the your doctor

Call us if you:

  • Have questions about your medication
  • Experience muscle pain, weakness, or unusual symptoms
  • Want help with diet or lifestyle changes

Key message

High cholesterol is treatable.
Small daily changes plus medication (when needed)

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