Cholesterol Treatment Options
If you have high cholesterol, that 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 diet, exercise, and, if needed, a cholesterol medication.
Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet is important when working to lower your cholesterol.
Small changes can make a big impact on lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).
These may include:
-
Increasing your intake of soluble fiber
-
Lowering your intake of saturated fats
-
Reducing fat intake to about 30% of your total calories in a
day
Maintaining a healthy weight through exercise is also good for your
heart. Regular exercise can increase your good cholesterol (HDL)
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 Medication
For 2 out of 3 adults with high cholesterol, diet and exercise alone
may not be enough.
Why?
Your body makes about 80% of your cholesterol. Only about 20% comes
from the food you eat. For many people a cholesterol medicine is needed
in addition to a healthy diet and daily exercise.
Along with diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medication to
help lower your cholesterol. LIPITOR is clinically proven to lower bad
cholesterol 39-60%, when diet and exercise are not enough (average
effect depending on dose).
LIPITOR is FDA approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke,
certain kinds of heart surgeries, and chest pain in patients with
several common risk factors for heart disease, including family
history, high blood pressure, age, low HDL ("good" cholesterol), or
smoking.
Remember, taking medication can be one important part of a treatment
plan. Healthy diet and exercise are also important in reaching your
heart-health goals.
