How to Lower Cholesterol Points

High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is an accumulation of too much cholesterol, a fat-like substance, in the blood. High amounts of cholesterol in the blood leads to a buildup of cholesterol along the walls of arteries. Cholesterol eventually hardens and can block blood flow to or from the heart. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and heart attacks. Individuals with high cholesterol must lower the level of cholesterol in their body to reduce the chance of heart problems. Follow these simple steps to lower cholesterol points.

Things You'll Need

• Low-cholesterol foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) Medication (if recommended by doctor)

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat healthy. Reduce intake of foods that are high in cholesterol, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and the yolks of eggs. Replace them with healthier alternatives, such as fish, egg whites and fat-free or reduced-fat dairy products. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in combination with low-cholesterol food alternatives. Diet changes make a huge difference in controlling cholesterol for most people.

• 2

  Get moving. Physical activity contributes to lowering cholesterol. While the changes in cholesterol due to exercise are usually not extreme, it does make a difference. Any aerobic activity will help the body to lower its cholesterol levels. The most popular aerobic activities include walking, running, cycling, swimming and aerobics classes.

• 3

  Lose extra weight. Being overweight usually leads to high cholesterol. Losing weight by diet and exercise will help the body start to lower cholesterol levels. Reduced calorie intake may be necessary to lose excess weight also.

• 4

  Take medicine. For some individuals, cholesterol-lowering medication is necessary. High cholesterol is an inherited problem in some people, meaning that cholesterol stays high even when you are at your optimum weight and following a low-cholesterol diet.

• 5

  Combine several approaches. Often, successfully lowering cholesterol requires a combination of different tactics. Some people have to use diet, exercise, weight loss and medication to successfully control their cholesterol, while others may only have to use a few of the approaches. Discuss with the doctor which approach or approaches are best to come up with the most effective way to lower your cholesterol.