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Lowering Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a necessary component of the human body, but too much cholesterol can significantly increase a person's chances of developing heart disease, or experiencing a stroke or heart attack. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. HDL, or "good cholesterol," actually prevents against heart disease, so low levels put you at risk for heart problems. LDL, or "bad cholesterol," can build up in the arteries if there is too much, which leads to atherosclerosis. There are several effective ways to lower your bad cholesterol.

  1. Medication

    • Several types of prescription medications are available to help patients with high LDL levels. Among the option are statins, bile-acid-binding resins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Some drugs are also available that combine a statin and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor to help lower bad cholesterol levels. These drugs have all proven effective at lowering LDL levels into a healthier range. The drug that's right for you will depend on your age and overall health. Some drugs, such as statins, can interfere with liver function, so tests will be necessary to ensure to liver is working correctly.

    Exercise

    • Getting plenty of physical exercise each day is another great way to try and bring bad cholesterol levels down. People who are overweight should also try to get to a healthy weight. Ideally, people should get between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise each day. People who have been inactive should start slowly and build up to a longer periods of physical activity. Some good activities to try include swimming, brisk walking and riding a bike.

    Diet

    • Making a few changes in your diet can also help lower bad cholesterol levels. To start, limit consumption of foods containing saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Eat healthier fats, such as olive, canola and peanut oils. Substituting healthy fish, such as salmon, halibut, cod and tuna, for red meat or other less-healthy protein sources will also help. Eat more whole grains and soluble fiber, and pack your diet with plenty of fresh produce.

    Quit Smoking

    • Smoking can increase your risk of heart disease, and it can raise your bad cholesterol level. If you smoke, do your best to quit because quitting can significantly lower your risk for heart disease and lower your LDL level. In fact, 15 years after quitting, a former smoker's risk for heart disease is the same as that of someone who never smoked, according to the American Heart Association.

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