What Are the Treatments for High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance that is found in virtually every cell in the body. Cholesterol is an important component of keeping cells healthy, as well as creating necessary hormones. Unfortunately, when cholesterol levels get too high, fatty deposits begin to develop in the blood vessels. Over time these deposits can create blockages that decrease the ability of blood to travel throughout the body. The loss in blood flow can eventually result in heart attack or stroke if the high cholesterol levels are not treated correctly.

Statins

• One of the first lines of treatment for high cholesterol are medications called statins, such as Lipitor and Crestor. Statins work by blocking the substances in your liver that make cholesterol. As a result, instead of creating more cholesterol, the liver draws cholesterol from your bloodstream. This helps lower your overall cholesterol levels.

Inhibitors

• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors are another common form of treatment for those suffering from high cholesterol levels. These include drugs such as Zetia. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors work with the small intestine. Normally the small intestine absorbs cholesterol into the body from the foods that you eat. Cholesterol inhibitors work by blocking the small intestine's ability to absorb dietary cholesterol from the foods you eat. This lowers the amount of cholesterol in your body.

Resins

• Bile acid-binding resins include the medications Questran, Welchol and Colestid. For the liver to help create bile acids, it needs cholesterol. Bile acid-binding resins work by binding to bile acids, tricking the liver into using additional cholesterol to make more bile, which reduces the overall level of cholesterol in the body.

Exercise/Weight Loss

• One of the most important additions to any treatment plan for high cholesterol is exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising 30 to 60 minutes every day can significantly lower cholesterol levels. Exercise also helps in losing weight, which can also decrease your overall cholesterol levels.

Diet

• A healthy diet also helps to lower cholesterol. Eliminating trans fats and eating more healthier monounsaturated fats can help decrease your cholesterol levels. Also adding fiber from whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables helps to keep the blood vessels and heart clean and healthy, while at the same time helping your body reduce the amount of cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol only in moderation may also help decrease blood cholesterol levels