From Diet to Drugs: Exploring Possible Approaches to Control High Cholesterol

High cholesterol, a condition characterised by an excessive buildup of cholesterol in the blood, is a significant health concern with far-reaching implications. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Fortunately, a combination of lifestyle modifications, natural remedies, and medical interventions can effectively manage and control high cholesterol levels, reducing these risks and promoting better heart health.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance. It is produced by the liver and also acquired from certain foodstuffs. Cholesterol is very important because it helps the body to synthesise its hormones, cell membranes, and vitamin D. However, higher levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause damage.

There are two types of cholesterol:

Maintaining a balance between LDL and HDL is crucial for cardiovascular health. When LDL levels are too high, or HDL levels are too low, proactive measures are needed to protect the heart and blood vessels.

Lifestyle Modifications: The Cornerstone of Cholesterol Management

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is fundamental to lowering and managing cholesterol levels. Below are some key lifestyle changes to help control cholesterol:

Eat heart-healthy foods

Here are a few dietary changes that can help you lower your cholesterol levels and improve your heart health:

• Reduce intake of saturated fats. Foods that are rich in saturated fats lead to increased cholesterol. Reduce your intake of foods, such as red meat and dairy products, and you will see.a drastic change in your LDL levels.
• Eliminate trans fats completely. Eliminating trans fats from your diet is crucial for lowering cholesterol and improving heart health. Found in many processed foods, fried items, and baked goods, trans fats increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol while lowering HDL ("good") cholesterol. Opt for healthier alternatives like oils rich in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, and improve heart health. Omega-3s also boost HDL ("good") cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Sources include fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
• Increase soluble fibre intake. Increasing soluble fibre intake can help lower cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which can bind to cholesterol and help remove it from the body. This can lead to a reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Eat More Plant-Based Foods. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains not only lowers cholesterol but also provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that promote overall heart health.
• Mindful Eating. Paying attention to portion sizes and avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks is key for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can enhance cholesterol levels by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol. With your doctor’s approval, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity three times a week.

Incorporating physical activity throughout your day, even in short bursts, can also aid in weight loss. Consider options like:

• Taking a brisk walk post meals
• Cycling to work
• Playing a favourite sport

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not only bad for the lungs but it also damages the heart vessels, increases HDL cholesterol level, and lowers the HDL cholesterol level in the body, thereby leading to an increased risk of developing heart diseases. Also, there's a highly reactive compound, called acrolein, found in cigarettes that prevents the HDL in the blood from carrying the LDL out of the body.

That said, one can reverse the damage to the blood vessels by quitting smoking. In fact, one can almost halve their risk of developing a heart disease by quitting smoking for 1 year. Their HDL levels also get restored to a level similar to that of a non-smoker in the same period. 

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is one of the major factors that contribute to high cholesterol. That's because excess weight leads to the body producing more triglycerides, thereby increasing the lipoprotein levels, which, in turn, results in high cholesterol. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid foods that are rich in sugar or fats. Also, one must stay as physically active as possible. For example, taking the stairs instead of the lift, going for a walk after lunch and dinner, are some of the ways one can avoid putting on excess weight.

Limit your alcohol intake

While alcohol consumption may not be as bad as smoking, it is advisable to drink in moderation. In fact, alcohol when consumed in moderation is said to help improve HDL levels. Note - The risks of drinking alcohol outweigh the benefits, and therefore, it's always best to avoid alcohol.

Medications: When Lifestyle Modifications Aren't Enough

For many individuals, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control high cholesterol. Medications are often needed to bring cholesterol levels within a healthy range, especially for those with a genetic predisposition or higher cardiovascular risk.

• Statins. It is one of the most common medicines used to treat high cholesterol. It not only helps reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver but also increases the liver's ability to remove LDL from the bloodstream.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors. As the name suggests, these medicines prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the body. Doctors usually prescribe them to patients who cannot take statins.
• Nicotinic acid (niacin). It is a type of B vitamin that reduces the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides level in the body by reducing the amount of fat a liver makes. Besides, it also helps increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Note - Niacin can lead to some serious side effects, and therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before one takes this OTC medicine.
• PCSK9 inhibitors. This particular medicine is injected under the skin to block a protein, PCSK9 that is known for reducing the liver’s ability to remove LDL ("bad") cholesterol from the blood. It is usually prescribed to patients who are at a high risk of developing a heart condition or are diagnosed with a genetic condition, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
• Fibrates. They help reduce the amount of triglycerides produced by the liver. They have also shown to be effective in increasing HDL and reducing LDL levels. Doctors also prescribe Fibrates to patients who have very high triglycerides and are at a high risk of pancreatitis.

Last Word

High cholesterol is undoubtedly bad for the health, but the good thing is that it can easily be managed through simple lifestyle modifications and medications. If you, too, are worried about high cholesterol, we at Max Hospitals are here to help. Book an appointment with one of our cardiologists today and start your journey towards a healthy and fulfilling life.