|
Cholesterol is made in the liver, and is found in foods such as whole milk, eggs and meat. The body needs small amounts of cholesterol to function properly, but large amounts can cause serious health problems, such as coronary heart disease.
If too much cholesterol forms in the arteries, then the blood has difficulty flowing to the heart through the narrow passageways. Over time, the buildup of cholesterol causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart disease.
Learn more about:
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about a health
condition, contact your doctor.
Back to Health Resource
Center
The main goal in lowering cholesterol is to lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise your HDL (good cholesterol). Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200. Anything above 240 is considered dangerously high.
You can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease by:
- Eating low cholesterol foods
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Taking medications prescribed by your physician.
Back to top
Sometimes making changes to your diet and increasing exercise is not enough to bring your cholesterol down. You may also need to take a cholesterol-lowering drug. These drugs are most effective when combined with a low-cholesterol diet and regular exercise.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs include the following:
- Statins
- Niacin
- Bile-acid resins
- Fibric acid derivatives.
Back to top
For more information on high cholesterol, login
to WebMD and visit the Cholesterol Condition Center.
Other helpful resources include:
Back to top
|
