How can one lower elevated cholesterol levels?
February 3, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear doctor,
My name is Gertrud Zollmann and I recently found out that my cholesterol levels are elevated. I am 55 years old, female, and have noticed in the past few years that my weight has slowly increased. My diet is not always optimal, I enjoy eating fast food and sweets, and I don't always manage to exercise regularly.
I am very concerned about my health and I wonder what I can do to lower my elevated cholesterol levels. I have heard that high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, and that scares me.
Could you please explain to me what measures I can take to lower my cholesterol levels? Are there specific diets I should follow? Should I take certain medications? How often should I get my blood levels checked to monitor the success of the measures?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with a detailed response so that I can reduce my health risks and manage my cholesterol levels.
Thank you in advance.
Kind regards,
Gertrud Zollmann
Dear Gertrud Zollmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a doctor of internal medicine. It is important that you are concerned about your elevated cholesterol levels and take measures to reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that cholesterol is an important component of our bodies, but high cholesterol levels can lead to buildup in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is good that you are thinking about this and are willing to take action.
One of the most important measures to lower cholesterol levels is a healthy diet. You have mentioned that your diet is not always optimal and that you enjoy consuming fast food and sweets. It would be advisable to change your diet and focus more on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and fish. Reduce the consumption of saturated fats found in animal products such as butter, cheese, and meat, as well as trans fats found in many processed foods like cookies, chips, and fast food. Instead, opt for unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
Regular physical activity is also important for lowering cholesterol levels. Try to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming. This can help increase the "good" HDL cholesterol and lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take medications in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise to lower cholesterol levels. Your doctor may prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications if needed. It is important to regularly monitor your blood levels to assess the success of the measures and make adjustments if necessary.
I hope this information helps you and motivates you to take charge of your health. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Marcus Schneider, MD
