High cholesterol often develops without obvious symptoms, but over time, high levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol treatment focuses on understanding your cholesterol levels, assessing your overall health risks, and choosing a suitable treatment plan.
Understanding Your Cholesterol
A lipid profile usually measures LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Your doctor may also consider factors such as age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history, and previous heart-related conditions before recommending treatment.
Treatment for High Cholesterol
Treatment may include healthy lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats. Depending on your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, your doctor may also recommend cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins or other appropriate medications.