Lipoprotein Treatment

Lipoproteins are the transporters of lipids (fats) in your bloodstream. Two of the lipids transported by lipoprotein are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). High-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from your tissues to your liver where it is eliminated in bile, a digestive fluid. Low-density lipoprotein particles enter your blood vessels clinging to their walls and forming a sticky substance known as plaque. Lipoprotein treatment reduces or eliminates LDL, the formation of plaque, and your risk of heart attack.

Treatment

• The Center for Cholesterol Management notes that lipoprotein, not cholesterol, is the primary cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). Treatment methods recommended to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride also reduce lipoprotein. These methods include medication, diet, lifestyle changes and exercise.

Medication

• For elevated cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe statins as part of a treatment regimen to reduce cholesterol in your bloodstream. Statins help to remove low-density lipoprotein. However, as reported by the California Pacific Medical Center (June 10, 2009), Danish researchers, while confirming the role of lipoprotein as a causative factor in heart attacks, also established the ineffectiveness of statins for lowering lipoprotein.

  Your doctor may recommend niacin or aspirin as part of your cholesterol lowering treatment. The Danish study showed the vitamin niacin and aspirin both proved to be effective in lowering lipoprotein levels. Niacin, however, causes flushing making it difficult to take. The California Pacific Medical Center states the drug manufacturer, Merck & Co, developed a drug containing an anti-flushing agent, but it was not approved for marketing in the United States.

Diet

• Among recommendations for regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction, Ray Sahelian, M.D., recommends a healthy diet high in antioxidants to reduce low-density lipoprotein levels. To increase antioxidants in your diet, include fresh fruits and vegetables.

  On their website, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) details recommendations established by The National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Institutes of Health for reducing cholesterol. The recommendations are listed as percentages, which makes it easier for you to apply them to your individual daily caloric limit. Dietary fats are a major area of concern because of their impact on lipoprotein. The AAFP recommends you avoid trans fats to prevent unwanted increases in LDL levels. They suggest your total fat intake should range from 25 to 35 percent of daily calories with saturated fat comprising less than 7 percent.

  The International Food Information Council (IFIC) recommends the majority of fats in your diet should be polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. You can increase your consumption of these healthy fats by eating foods such as fish and nuts. Polyunsaturated fats should total up to 10 percent of your daily caloric intake with monounsaturated fats totaling up to 20 percent as per the AAFP.

Lifestyle Changes and Exercise

• Lifestyle changes recommended by Ray Sahelian, M.D., and the AAFP, include smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol intake. Their websites also stress regular exercise as a major factor in reducing cholesterol. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to receive the health benefits of exercise, adults require 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week and strength training 2 or more days a week. Among the recommended exercises are walking, water aerobics, and bicycle riding. If you are able to increase the intensity of your aerobic exercise to include jogging, running, and tennis, you can decrease the amount of time required to obtain health benefits to 1 hour and 15 minutes per week.

  The CDC offers an additional suggestion for the less physically fit. Limit daily exercise to 10-minute increments, 3 times per day, 5 days a week.