How to Prevent Cholesterol Damage

Cholesterol damage occurs when waxy cholesterol deposits form in the walls of the arteries. The deposits can accumulate and either seal off an artery, restricting blood flow, or break off and cause a heart attack or stroke. Large amounts of cholesterol building up is due to high cholesterol levels in the body. Most cholesterol damage is preventable, but to prevent damage a person has to take action before it becomes a problem. By making healthy choices, it is possible to prevent cholesterol damage.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch cholesterol and fat intake. A diet high in cholesterol leaves the body unable to rid itself of some of it. This excess cholesterol is what builds up in arteries in the body. Following a diet low in cholesterol by eating less meat and animal products leaves the body with more of a chance to properly eliminate the cholesterol taken in. When eating fats, always choose unsaturated fats rather than unhealthy saturated fats. Fats build up and cause weight gain, and foods with high saturated fat amounts also contain cholesterol.

• 2

  Eat healthy. A healthy diet overall is important to preventing cholesterol damage. Diets high in starch and fiber are optimal for keeping cholesterol levels low. These foods include grains, fruits and vegetables.

• 3

  Exercise. Exercise lowers cholesterol by enhancing the cholesterol transport system, effectively clearing more cholesterol out of the body.

• 4

  Stay thin. Overweight people have higher levels of cholesterol than people who are within normal weight range. Keeping cholesterol levels low by staying at a lower weight prevents cholesterol damage.

• 5

  Load up on antioxidants. Cholesterol goes through a process called oxidation before it can cause any damage. Antioxidants prevent cholesterol from going through oxidation, reducing buildup and damage in the arteries.

• 6

  Listen to your doctor. If high cholesterol is a problem, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the problem. Never stop taking a medicine used to prevent high cholesterol before first checking with your doctor.