| How to Treat High Blood Cholesterol? |
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Treating high blood cholesterol basically refers to lowering the LDL level in the body. LDL or low density lipoproteins are bad cholesterol that leads to the deposition of excess cholesterol in artery lining. So irrespective of which treatment you opt for, the ultimate result would be to lower your LDL level. Calculate Your Risk Factors. There are several factors that make an individual more prone to heart diseases. These factors are risk factors. Before you opt for any particular treatment, it becomes imperative that you calculate your risk factors. Depending upon tour risk factors, you should set an appropriate LDL goal. Higher the number of risk factors an individual is exposed to, the lower should be the LDL goal. Some of the most prominent risk factor's that affect your LDL levels in blood are * Smoking * Family history of heart diseases * Age (45 in case of men and 55 in case of women) * High blood pressure Choose Your Treatment Method. Once you have evaluated your risk factors and set your LDL goal, it is time to opt for an appropriate treatment. Depending upon your current LDL level and the LDL goal that you have set for yourself, you can go in for either of these treatments: Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and drug treatment. Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) TLC diet: The TLC diet encourages intake of food that is low in cholesterol and eliminates all cholesterol rich food. This diet increases the amount of soluble fiber in the diet and restricts the consumption of saturated fat and trans fat. Cholesterol lowering food such as margarine is also included as a part of the diet. Physical activity: Physical activity is extremely important to keep LDL level in check. Regular physical activity helps increase HDL and lower LDL. At least 30 minutes of brisk walk is suggested for anyone who wishes to treat high cholesterol. Weight management: In case you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce LDL. Men with a waistline measuring more than 40 inches and women with a waistline measuring 25 inches are considered obese. Drug Treatment Drug treatment also must be undertaken along with TLC. A combination of both helps keep LDL levels in check. Cholesterol controlling medicines can be classified into five major categories. These are as follows: * Statins * Bile Acid Sequestrants * Nicotinic Acid * Fibrates * Ezetimibe Related Articles
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