These doctor-approved tips can help you lower your cholesterol and improve heart health.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Even though cholesterol has many important jobs, too much of it can spell trouble for your heart health.
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4 Things a Cardiologist Says to Do for High Cholesterol
1.
Whatever gets your heart pumping.
The great thing about exercise is it’s possible for you to switch it up daily to avoid boredom.
Get started with ourwalking plan to help lower your cholesterol levels.
Lal recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Saturated fat is found in animal foods like fatty cuts of meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products.
How much is OK?
If youre not sure where to start, consider making a few swaps.
When cooking, use olive oil in place of butter.
Related:7-Day Cholesterol-Lowering Meal Plan for Beginners.
It also makes it difficult to get enough fiber, especially cholesterol-loweringsoluble fiber.
Oranges, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts, carrots and sweet potatoes are all great sources.
To increase your soluble fiber intake, try whipping up someSimple Roasted Brussels SproutsorSheet-Pan Roasted Root Vegetables.
Or, toss up aPear & Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts.
Then medication may be required and should be taken daily to achieve optimal results, he explains.
However, the best outcomes occur when medication is paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
They all need to happen in tandem, says Lal.
He recommends managing your blood pressure, if it’s elevated, through diet and regular exercise.
Smoking increases inflammation in blood vessels, which can lead to plaque buildup, says Lal.
Of course, quitting smoking isnt easy.
Or consider joining a smoking cessation program.
By following these recommendations, you may significantly improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
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American Heart Association.What is Cholesterol?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk Factors for High Cholesterol.
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention.CDC Releases Updated Maps of Americas High Levels of Inactivity.
2023;24(5):4653. doi:10.3390/ijms24054653
American Heart Association.The Skinny on Fats.
