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Is Medication for High Cholesterol Really Necessary?

High cholesterol levels cause fatty deposits in the body's arteries. Clogged arteries increase the chance of having a stroke or a heart attack. If lifestyle changes do not lower cholesterol, medication is necessary to treat high cholesterol.

  1. High Cholestrol

    • Total cholesterol greater than 240 mg requires medical attention. Exercise and diet modification are the first approaches to lower cholesterol.

    Symptoms & Testing

    • There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. Regular blood tests should start at 20 years old. People who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in cholesterol and an inactive lifestyle should have their cholesterol levels tested.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Exercise helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Smoking damages arteries' walls, but quitting can help prevent and lower high cholesterol.

    Diet

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, no more than ten percent of daily food intake should come from saturated fats. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and leans sources of protein can help lower cholesterol levels. Garlic, barley, artichoke and oat bran help lower cholesterol.

    Medication

    • If cholesterol levels do not lower after exercise and diet modification, medication may help lower them. Medications can block cholesterol production and help remove excess cholesterol from the arteries' walls.

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