There Are Ways to Help Improve Your Heart Health
Having high cholesterol may put you at a higher risk for heart disease. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. But there are ways to help improve your heart health. You can change your lifestyle through better eating habits, exercise, and, if needed, a cholesterol-lowering medicine such as LIPITOR.
Healthy Eating and Exercise
Healthy eating habits are important when working to lower your cholesterol. Even small changes in your eating habits may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. These changes can include:
- Reducing fat intake to about 30% of your total calories in a day
- Lowering your intake of saturated fats
- Increasing your intake of soluble fiber
Regular exercise is also good for your heart health. Exercise can increase your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. And it can lower your risk of heart disease. Exercising 30 minutes each day is a great goal. Talk with your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine
If you’ve tried at least 12 weeks of diet and exercise to lower your cholesterol and your cholesterol remains high, stop kidding yourself. You may have tried your best to lower your cholesterol, but for 2 out of 3 people with high cholesterol, diet and exercise alone may not be enough. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medicine, such as LIPITOR, to help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Along with diet and exercise, LIPITOR is clinically proven to lower bad cholesterol 39%-60% (average effect depending on dose). LIPITOR is one of many treatment options you and your doctor may consider.
Remember, taking medication can be one important part of a treatment plan. Healthy eating and exercise are also important in reaching your heart-health goals.
LIPITOR is not for everyone. It is not for those with liver problems. And it is not for women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant.
If you take LIPITOR, tell your doctor if you feel any new muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of rare but serious muscle side effects. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. This may help avoid serious drug interactions. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment and may adjust your dose.
Common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests.