How to Reduce Cholestrerol

High cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure and eventually to heart disease. It is important to check your cholesterol regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid long-term problems. There are a variety of ways to reduce cholesterol in an effort to keep your heart working efficiently for many years to come.

Instructions

• 1

  Know your HDL and LDL cholesterol numbers, which make up your total cholesterol. HDL is considered your good cholesterol and should be greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dl, of blood. LDL is your bad cholesterol and should be lower than 100 mg/dl.

• 2

  Avoid eating and drinking products that are high in saturated fats, salt and sugar, which lead to heart disease. Limit red meat, soda and fried food to about once a week to lower cholesterol. Do not smoke. Smoking can adversely affect your levels of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

• 3

  Eat healthy foods to keep the plaque from building up in your body. Consider fruits, vegetables, nuts, fiber, green tea, and seafood for the greatest cholesterol-reducing benefits. These foods work to coat the arteries and move food through the body so there is no buildup.

• 4

  Exercise at least four times per week for 40 minutes for heart health. Exercise raises your HDL and lowers your LDL. Choose aerobic exercises for maximum results.

• 5

  Consider supplements, such as fish oil. The omega-3 in fish oils helps to reduce cholesterol by lowering blood pressure and reducing the formation of clots. Fish oil supplements may be found in any store that carries vitamins.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about taking prescription medications to reduce cholesterol. These are prescribed as a last resort when exercise and diet are not working. Statin drugs, the most used, serve as inhibitors that work to lower LDL and raise HDL.