Finding out that you have high cholesterol can feel overwhelming. You might know it’s linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues, but it’s important not to panic. You aren’t alone — about 71 million American adults have high cholesterol — and it’s an easily manageable condition.
With the right lifestyle changes and medical guidance, you can take control of your cholesterol levels and protect your heart health. Our team at Ross Medical Group specializes in chronic condition management, and we're here to help you with what comes next.
Cholesterol is a type of fat your body needs to function properly, but too much cholesterol can be harmful. So how many types of cholesterol are there? There are two: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL, or "good" cholesterol, helps flush excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, reducing your risk of cardiovascular issues.
When your LDL cholesterol levels are too high or your HDL is too low, fatty deposits can accumulate in your blood vessels. Over time, these deposits can narrow your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow properly.
Plaque buildup in your arteries from unmanaged high cholesterol makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Over time, this can increase your risk of:
Even if you feel fine, high cholesterol can be a silent danger. That’s why regular cholesterol screenings and early intervention are so important to lowering your risk of complications and protecting your health.
The good news? High cholesterol is manageable with proactive lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medical treatment. Take charge of your health with these changes:
Your diet plays a primary role in cholesterol levels. Try incorporating healthy fats, like avocados, olive oil, and nuts to help manage cholesterol. Eat less saturated fat by reducing your intake of fatty meats, full-fat dairy, and fried foods.
Choose lean proteins, like fish, skinless poultry, and plant-based proteins like tofu and lentils. Fiber-rich foods, like oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables, can also help lower your LDL cholesterol levels.
Physical activity naturally boosts HDL cholesterol and helps lower LDL cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and choose an activity you enjoy, like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
If you’re overweight, working toward a healthy weight can significantly impact your heart health and cholesterol levels. If you’re at a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you stay there.
Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and increases your risk of heart disease. Quitting can improve your cholesterol levels quickly. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride levels, contributing to high cholesterol. If you drink, do so in moderation.
For many people, lifestyle changes make a big difference when it comes to managing high cholesterol. However, if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we may recommend cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins, bile acid sequestrants, or PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart complications.
It’s important to take a high cholesterol diagnosis seriously — but high cholesterol doesn’t have to lead to serious health problems. With the right approach, you can manage it, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Book an appointment with our team at Ross Medical Center to talk about your cholesterol levels and develop a plan that works for you. Call our Miami, Florida, office at 305-279-7677 or book your appointment online to get started today.
