Cardiologist A/Prof. Sarah Zaman from Westmead Hospital in Sydney explains how to manage your cholesterol levels with healthy habits and medicines prescribed by your doctor.
There is no single cause of high cholesterol. Instead, a range of different factors can increase your risk. The good news is you can control many of these risk factors. Every healthy choice makes a difference. Even small changes add up over time to improve your cholesterol and your overall heart health!
Read on as we explain some of these tips in more detail.
Physical activity can help increase the HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or ‘good’) cholesterol. Physical activities that increase your heart rate, including strength-building activities, are helpful for managing cholesterol.
Start small with realistic activity goals and work your way up to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking) each week.
Aim to do muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, such as bodyweight exercises or general daily tasks that involve lifting, such as carrying groceries.
Speak to your doctor for advice on how you can safely build up your movement after a heart event or diagnosis and make sure to check with your doctor if you are worried about doing certain activities.
Following a heart-healthy eating pattern can help to manage your cholesterol.
There are some foods that are higher in cholesterol than others, and some that contain ingredients that can contribute to high cholesterol. Heart-healthy eating is not about ’good’ and ’bad’ foods, or following a restrictive diet. It’s about making small changes that you can continue long term.
Eating small amounts of healthy fats helps lower the LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or ‘bad’) cholesterol and increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or ‘good’) cholesterol. For example, enjoy healthy fats and oils like nuts, avocados and olive oil in your salads and meals.
To find out more, download the Eating well to protect your heart brochure.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to manage your cholesterol. The most common type of cholesterol-lowering medicines is a group of medicines known as statins. They lower the level of LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood.
Some people who have had a heart event or been diagnosed with heart disease might have normal cholesterol levels. Your doctor will likely still prescribe cholesterol medicines as these have been shown to reduce the risk of another heart event.
Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medicine exactly as directed. Don’t stop taking your medicines because you feel better. They are helping to keep your cholesterol under control and to lower your chances of a future heart attack or stroke.
Last updated18 April 2024