What Should We Do If Our Cholesterol Level is Too High?

Dr.Sukriti Bhalla, 3 mins read

In the present time, many of us are busy with work, family and daily responsibilities. We often eat on the go, skip exercise, and live under constant stress. Because of this lifestyle, health problems like high cholesterol are becoming very common. It is not just an issue for older people, even young adults are now being diagnosed with it. High cholesterol may not show any symptoms, but it can silently increase the risk of serious problems like heart attack and stroke. This is why it is important for all of us to understand what cholesterol is and what steps we can take to control it.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood which needs some cholesterol to build cells and make hormones, but too much of it is harmful. There are two main types:

• LDL (bad cholesterol): Builds up in the walls of blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
  
  
• HDL (good cholesterol): Helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood and keeps the heart healthy.
  

Why is High Cholesterol Dangerous?

High cholesterol can block the blood flow in arteries leading to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

What Can We Do if Our Cholesterol is Too High?

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: We should reduce oily and fried foods and cut down on red meat and processed foods. We should eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and use healthy oils like olive oil or mustard oil instead of butter or ghee. One should choose lean protein such as fish, chicken, and beans.
   
   
2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). We should walk for 30 minutes a day. Do cycling, swimming, or yoga and simple stretching if you have a busy routine.
   
   
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight increases cholesterol levels. Even losing a few kilos can make a big difference.
   
   
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking lowers good cholesterol and damages blood vessels. Alcohol, if taken in excess, can raise cholesterol and triglycerides. Quitting smoking and drinking less can improve heart health.
   
   
5. Manage Stress: Stress can indirectly affect cholesterol by leading to unhealthy habits like overeating or smoking. Meditation, deep breathing, and hobbies can help reduce stress levels.
   
   
6. Take Medicines if Prescribed by doctor: Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough, especially if cholesterol is very high or if there are other health issues. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medicines like statins. Always follow your doctor’s advice and never stop medicines on your own.
   

Conclusion

High cholesterol is a silent danger which can be fatal. We can control our cholesterol level with healthy lifestyle changes and proper care. We should adopt healthy eating habits, stay active, avoid smoking and alcohol, and follow medical advice to lead a long, healthy life. We should never forget that prevention is always better than cure. Taking small steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow for all of us. Everyone above 30 should get their cholesterol levels checked regularly, even if they feel healthy.