Reduce Your Cholesterol
Cholesterol is in many fats and oils, but it is a fat. It is a part of many important body substances such as hormones, and structures including the brain and nerves. But too much cholesterol in your blood can clog your arteries.
You’ve probably heard about “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol. Bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol, which is an abbreviation in English of low-density lipoprotein, can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. Good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol, which is the English abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein carries unneeded cholesterol away from body tissues, so it lowers your risk of heart disease.
If your doctor says your cholesterol level is too high, what can you do about it? It helps to lose weight and eat a healthy diet. Your diet should limit the amount of fatty and cholesterol-rich foods you eat.
There are many cookbooks available that contain recipes low in fat, heart-healthy and have suggestions for meals. If you need help figuring out how to change your diet, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian. A dietitian has special training in planning healthy diets.
If diet alone does not lower your cholesterol, medicines can help do that. You and your doctor can talk about these medicines. The drug is best for you depends on your special needs and medical condition.