Worried about your cholesterol numbers? You’re not alone. High cholesterol raises the chance of heart attacks and strokes, but small changes can make a real difference. This page gives clear, no-nonsense steps you can use today plus when medications may be needed.
Get a fasting lipid panel and keep the results handy. Useful targets: total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL, LDL ("bad") usually under 100 mg/dL (lower if you have heart disease), HDL ("good") above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL. Those targets shift if you have diabetes, prior heart disease, or multiple risk factors—so ask your clinician what’s right for you.
Change your plate first. Swap saturated fats (butter, fatty cuts of meat) for unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado). Add soluble fiber—oats, beans, lentils, apples, and psyllium—aiming to add a few grams each day; soluble fiber helps lower LDL. Plant sterols and stanols (found in certain spreads and yogurts) can cut LDL by a measurable amount when used daily.
Move more. Brisk walking, cycling, or 30 minutes of moderate activity most days raises HDL and helps with weight. Even short walks after meals help control blood sugar and triglycerides.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Smoking lowers HDL and damages arteries. Alcohol in excess raises triglycerides; if you drink, keep it moderate—no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Watch weight and carbs. Losing 5–10% of body weight lowers LDL and triglycerides for many people. Reduce refined carbs and sugary drinks if triglycerides are high.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications work. Statins are the most common—effective at cutting LDL and proven to lower heart events. Some people get muscle aches or need liver tests; that’s why follow-up matters. If statins don’t reach your goal, your doctor may add ezetimibe or newer drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors for very high risk cases.
Don’t stop or start any drug without talking to your clinician. Certain blood pressure meds, diabetes drugs, or supplements can interact with cholesterol meds, so review all your medicines.
Questions? If your LDL stays high despite diet and exercise, or you have a family history of early heart disease, schedule a visit. A short talk with your clinician can set a clear plan—tests, targets, and whether medicine makes sense for you.
Want specific guides on medications related to heart health? Check articles on our site about blood pressure drugs, statin alternatives, and safe online pharmacies for prescriptions.
Bergamot, a citrus fruit from southern Italy, is getting a lot of attention as a dietary supplement. It's praised for its impact on cholesterol, heart health, and even mood. This guide breaks down what bergamot is, how it works, the differences between its common forms, and how to use it safely. Get ready for practical tips and surprising facts on adding bergamot to your daily routine.