Lower Your Cholesterol: Proven Strategies for Heart Health

Having a high cholesterol level can be dangerous to your health. A high cholesterol level can result in stroke, heart attack and heart disease; all of which can result in death. In the United States, cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than anything else. It is possible to manage your health and lower your serum cholesterol levels by following some tips and advice.

Instructions

• 1

  Follow a healthier diet. It is important to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and plenty of fiber. You want to stay away from foods that contain a large amount of saturated and/or trans fat, such as most fried and processed foods, as these can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the ones that you want to consume. Remember, fat doesn't make you fat; some fats can actually help you lose weight while lowering your cholesterol.

• 2

  Exercise regularly. It is recommended that you break a sweat at least 30 minutes a day, every day. This can be walking, running, biking, or anything that gets you moving.

• 3

  Quit smoking. Smoking tobacco increases your serum cholesterol levels.

• 4

  Take cholesterol-lowering drugs. Talk to your doctor about possibly starting medication to help lower your cholesterol. He will likely suggest that you do the above-mentioned things first, before resorting to drugs.