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Steps To Lower High Cholesterol
We know that we
should maintain
cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dL to keep our risk of hear attack low.
Additionally, medical research has shown
that
out of just over a thousand people who were hospitalized for stroke or transient
ischemic attack (TIA), also known as “mini-stroke”, 27 percent had cholesterol
levels higher than the recommended limit. In addition, Huntington’s disease, a
progressive degenerative disease in which brain cell waste away, has been
positively linked to high level of cholesterol in the arteries leading to the
brain. High cholesterol levels have been suggested, but not yet proven to be a
factor in Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition. Since cholesterol
levels impact two important bodily organs, it is incumbent that people monitor
their cholesterol levels.
One strategy is to
control weight by eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
The individual who achieves an overall healthier lifestyle will often have
success at lowering cholesterol levels. This includes stopping smoking and
drinking less alcohol. Carbohydrate consumption should also be limited to less
than 50% of the caloric intake since carbohydrates, in some individuals, raise
triglycerides and lower HDL, or good, cholesterol.
But even when people assiduously limit their cholesterol intake, it may be a
difficult matter to lower levels since cholesterol is manufactured in copious
amounts in our bodies. There are tools at out disposal to lower cholesterol and
exercise is one method of choice. It is recommended that people with high
cholesterol levels participate in at least 30 minutes of continual movement per
day. This can be walking, swimming, gardening or even vigorous housework, but
it should be done daily. Also, consuming more fiber in the form of fruits and
vegetables or whole grain cereals, especially oats, can help to lower
cholesterol. If these measures don’t effectively lower levels, there are
medications to lower cholesterol.
Discuss your cholesterol levels with your doctor and decide which of the
medications, some of which may be taken together for increased effectiveness,
are right for you. Statins
(HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) slow down cholesterol production and remove
cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor are some
examples of brand names. Resins (bile acid
sequestrants) lower LDL cholesterol level and examples of bile acid
sequestrants’ brand names are Prevalite and Questran. Fibrates (fibric acid
derivatives) lower cholesterol by reducing the amount of triglycerides and
increasing the level of "good" or LDL cholesterol. Brand name examples of these
drugs are Antara, Lofibra, and Tricor. Niacin or nicotinic acid is a B vitamin
that, at high doses, lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels while
increasing HDL levels. Even though this is available over the counter, it
should not be taken lower cholesterol unless prescribed by a doctor. Although
this is a natural vitamin, it is stored in the body and can have serious side
effects. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors reduce the amount of cholesterol
that is absorbed via the intestines, and are often given in combination with a
statin.
Cholesterol lowering
medications have side effects, though not usually severe. These include
either diarrhea or constipation, often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps,
bloating or gas, nausea and vomiting. Headache is a common side effect, as are
drowsiness or dizziness. Muscle aches and facial flushing can occur and
cholesterol lowing medication is frequently implicated in sleep problems. |
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