Managing Your Cholesterol: A Patient-Friendly Guide
The foundation of managing your cholesterol starts with healthy lifestyle changes, and if needed, your doctor may add medication to protect your heart. 1
Start with Lifestyle Changes
Healthy eating and regular activity are your first and most important steps for managing cholesterol, regardless of whether you need medication. 1
What to Eat
- Focus on heart-healthy foods: Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, chicken, beans, and nuts 1
- Choose better fats: Use vegetable oils (like olive or canola oil) instead of butter or lard 1
- Limit unhealthy foods: Cut back on red meat, sweets, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fat 1
- Add cholesterol-fighting foods: Include foods with soluble fiber (like oatmeal and beans) and plant stanols/sterols (found in fortified margarines and orange juice) 2
Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Get moving regularly: Aim for aerobic physical activity most days of the week 1
- Maintain a healthy body weight: If you're overweight, losing weight helps improve your cholesterol 1
- Don't smoke: If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart 1
When Medication May Be Needed
Your doctor will consider adding cholesterol medication (called statins) based on your individual heart disease risk. 1 This decision depends on several factors working together, not just your cholesterol number alone. 1
You May Need Medication If:
- You've already had heart problems: Such as a heart attack, stroke, or procedures to open blocked arteries 1
- Your cholesterol is very high: Particularly if your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) stays elevated despite lifestyle changes 1, 2
- You have diabetes: Especially if you're between ages 40-75 1
- Your overall heart disease risk is elevated: Your doctor will calculate this based on your age, blood pressure, smoking status, and other factors 1
About Statin Medications
Statins are safe and effective when used appropriately with regular follow-up. 1 These medications work by blocking cholesterol production in your liver and have been proven to prevent heart attacks and strokes. 1
- Most people tolerate statins well: Serious side effects are uncommon when properly monitored 1
- Report muscle symptoms: Tell your doctor if you develop unexplained muscle pain or weakness 1
- Regular check-ins matter: Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment and adjust as needed 3
Managing Other Risk Factors
Cholesterol management works best when combined with controlling all your heart disease risk factors. 1
- Control your blood pressure: Keep it in a healthy range 1
- Manage diabetes if present: Keep your blood sugar well-controlled 1
- Address all modifiable risks together: This comprehensive approach gives you the best protection 1
Working with Your Doctor
Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol levels and adjust your treatment plan over time. 3 After starting lifestyle changes or medication, expect follow-up testing to see how well your treatment is working. 3 The goal is to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke while maintaining your quality of life. 1