Cholesterol

Action is necessary when your total cholesterol level exceeds 5 mmol/L. Elevated cholesterol can raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and blood vessel-related conditions, by up to 40%. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, existing heart conditions, hereditary hypercholesterolemia, or who smoke are at an even greater risk.

Before starting medication, it's essential to adopt a diet low in animal fat and rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish. Lifestyle changes should also be made, such as reducing alcohol consumption, incorporating physical exercise, and managing body weight to lower cholesterol below the critical 5 mmol/L threshold. Smokers are encouraged to quit smoking to achieve and maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

If diet and lifestyle modifications are not enough to reduce cholesterol levels to a normal range, a doctor may recommend medication. Only a medical professional can diagnose hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia, and those diagnosed may require lifelong medication management. Regular cholesterol monitoring is crucial, particularly for individuals over 40.

Statins are among the most effective cholesterol-lowering drugs. They work by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) necessary for cholesterol production, leading to a reduction in harmful LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. Additionally, statins help lower triglyceride levels and increase beneficial HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.