Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It travels in your blood through the blood vessels. When you have high cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels. This makes the vessels narrower. Blood flow decreases. You are then at greater risk for having a heart attack or a stroke.
Lipids are fats. Blood is mostly water. Fat and water don't mix. So our bodies need lipoproteins (lipids inside a protein shell) to carry the lipids. The protein shell carries its lipids through the bloodstream. There are two main kinds of lipoproteins:
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is known as "bad cholesterol." It mainly carries cholesterol. It delivers this cholesterol to body cells. Excess LDL cholesterol will build up in artery walls. This increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as "good cholesterol." This protein shell collects excess cholesterol that LDLs have left behind on blood vessel walls. That's why high levels of HDL cholesterol can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Total cholesterol includes LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as other fats in the bloodstream. If your total cholesterol is high, follow the steps below to help lower your total cholesterol level:
Eat less unhealthy fat:
Cut back on saturated fats and trans (also called hydrogenated) fats by selecting lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy, and using oils instead of solid fats. Limit baked goods, processed meats, and fried foods. A diet that’s high in these fats increases your bad cholesterol. It's not enough to just cut back on foods containing cholesterol.
Eat about 2 servings of fish per week. Most fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. These help lower blood cholesterol.
Eat more whole grains and soluble fiber (such as oat bran). These lower overall cholesterol.
Choose an activity you enjoy. Walking, swimming, and riding a bike are some good ways to be active.
Start at a level where you feel comfortable. Increase your time and pace a little each week.
Work up to 40 minutes of moderate to high intensity physical activity at least 3 to 4 days per week.
Remember, some activity is better than none.
If you haven't been exercising regularly, start slowly. Check with your doctor to make sure the exercise plan is right for you.
Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can improve your lipid levels. It also lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Weight management. If you are overweight or obese, your health care provider will work with you to lose weight and lower your BMI (body mass index) to a normal or near-normal level. Making diet changes and increasing physical activity can help.
Take medication as directed. Many people need medication to get their LDL levels to a safe level. Medication to lower cholesterol levels is effective and safe. (But taking medication is not a substitute for exercise or watching your diet!) Your doctor can tell you whether you might benefit from a cholesterol-lowering medication.