High Cholesterol Treatment

Cholesterol is a necessary component in the body, but too much cholesterol can significantly increase a person's chances of developing heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, the higher a person's cholesterol level, the higher their risk of developing heart disease, which is the number one killer in America. People with high cholesterol do not develop any symptoms because of the condition, and many people with high cholesterol do not know it. However, high cholesterol can be detected through a simple blood test.

Medications

• People who have high cholesterol levels will often be prescribed a medication to help lower cholesterol into a healthy range. Several types of medications are available, including statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and bile-acid-binding resins. Some cholesterol drugs also combine different medications--typically a statin and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor--to treat the condition. The medications a doctor will prescribe may depend on several factors, including a patient's age and general health and the side effects of a particular drug. Some drugs, such as statins, may require regular blood tests to determine and monitor liver function.

Diet

• Even in patients taking drugs to lower cholesterol, making changes to their diets likely will be recommended because of how effective it can be at lowering cholesterol. It's important for people with high cholesterol to eat a heart-healthy diet. To start, cut out trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels, and eat more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, try to cut down on saturated fats and eat more fish, especially cod, tuna, salmon, halibut, herring and mackerel. People with high cholesterol should also try to limit alcohol intake.

Exercise

• Getting plenty of exercise and losing excess weight if you are overweight can also go a long way to treating high cholesterol levels. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise plan--but it's a good idea to aim for between 30 and 60 minutes of physical activity each day. You may have to work up to your goals, but good activities to try include brisk walking, swimming and bike riding.

Quit Smoking

• People who smoke are at even more risk of developing heart disease, so people with high cholesterol who are also smokers should quit. Quitting smoking can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease, and it can also lower cholesterol levels. After 15 years of not smoking, a person's risk of heart disease is virtually the same as that of someone who has never smoked, according to the American Heart Association.