If you have high cholesterol levels, you are not alone. About one-third of all Americans have high cholesterol. This is a severe problem, as high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and other health problems. This blog post will discuss how to lower high cholesterol – Astoria levels safely and effectively.
Find below some helpful tips on making lifestyle changes that will help improve your overall health! First, let us discuss cholesterol and why it is essential to keep your levels under control.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build new cells, but too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and cause heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up your arteries and form plaque. This plaque can narrow or block your arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, HDL is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from your arteries.
It is essential to keep your cholesterol levels in check because too much LDL can increase your risk for heart disease. High cholesterol is one of the significant risk factors for heart disease. The good news is that there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to lower your cholesterol levels.
Here are some tips to help you lower your cholesterol levels:
Exercise regularly
Your doctor can tell you how much exercise you need to stay healthy, but a good rule is to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days. Moderate-intensity activities include walking, biking, and swimming. Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help improve your cholesterol levels. Exercise can help increase your HDL levels and lower your LDL levels.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to lower your cholesterol levels. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also important to limit your saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol intake.
Cutting back on saturated fat and trans fat can be especially helpful in lowering your LDL levels. Saturated fat is found in animal products, such as meat and dairy. Trans fat is found in processed foods, such as cookies and crackers. Eating a healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease and other health problems.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your heart health. Smoking increases your LDL levels and makes plaque more likely to build up in your arteries. Quitting smoking is one of the best things to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease. If you are struggling to quit smoking, many resources are available to help you. Your doctor can also prescribe medication to help you quit smoking.
These are just a few tips to help you lower your cholesterol levels. Remember, it is essential to talk to your doctor at New York Medical and Vascular Care about your cholesterol levels and any changes you plan to make in your lifestyle.