Alexandru West 
Whether you are a doctor or a patient with high cholesterol, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These steps include lifestyle changes and the use of statins.
Statins
Whether you are a patient or a healthcare provider, statins for high cholesterol are an effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the likelihood of a stroke. This type of medication works by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. It is typically taken once or twice a day to help regulate the level of cholesterol in the body.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of statins with your doctor. Your doctor will consider your risk of heart disease, as well as your blood pressure and risk of diabetes. If your risk is low, you may not need a statin. You may be able to lower your cholesterol without a statin.
For most people, a statin is an effective way to keep cholesterol levels down. However, statins come with several side effects. Some of these side effects are mild. They usually go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Some of these side effects include muscle pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
Dietary changes
Changing your diet and getting more exercise are the only surefire ways to decrease your cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol levels under control can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, which in turn can lead to improved overall health. In addition to making smarter food choices, you might be surprised to discover that some foods are actually good for you. Some examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. You might also want to consider the benefits of a plant-based diet, as this can reduce cholesterol levels and improve your overall health.
It’s also a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any dietary or exercise regimen. As you might have guessed, if you have diabetes, you have to be extra vigilant in choosing your foods and watching what you eat. You might also want to ask your doctor about the benefits of a plant-based diet, which might include increased energy levels, reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle decisions
Choosing a healthy lifestyle can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Among the many ways to achieve this is to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. This includes cutting back on fried food, eating more lean meats and fish, and limiting the amount of salt you consume.
You may also want to consider wearing a device that measures your cholesterol levels. These devices are designed to alert you when your levels are too high.
You can also help lower cholesterol by choosing healthy foods such as nuts, olive oil, and skim milk. It is also a good idea to avoid foods that are high in sodium and sugar. For example, switching from a sugary soda to a glass of tap water can be a good first step.
It is also a good idea to exercise more, especially if you are overweight. This can lower cholesterol levels and help you lose weight. Ideally, you should be getting 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five times a week.
Inherited risk of heart disease
Having a high genetic risk of heart disease means that you are at risk of developing cardiovascular problems at an early age. Although genetics play an important role, lifestyle can also be a factor. Changing your diet and exercise habits can lower your risk of heart disease.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which one or both parents carry a gene that makes their blood cholesterol levels high. The disease affects the body’s ability to remove cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
High cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque in arteries. This narrowing can make blood flow to the heart difficult. The plaques form clumps and block blood flow. A buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries is a major risk factor for a heart attack.
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a rarer and more severe form of the disease. People with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia have high levels of LDL cholesterol, the form of cholesterol that is most likely to cause cardiovascular problems. Having homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia puts you at higher risk for heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. In addition, people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia tend to have waxy deposits on the skin.
