Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." Elevated LDL levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1
Causes of elevated LDL
Genetic factors
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disorder that causes abnormally high levels of LDL.
Poor eating habits
Eating too many high-fat, high-cholesterol foods can increase LDL production.
corpulent
Being overweight or obese can increase LDL levels.
Lack of exercise
Irregular physical activity can lead to an increase in LDL levels.
smoking
Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, affecting lipid metabolism and leading to elevated LDL.
diabetes
Diabetes affects the body's processing of fat, which increases LDL cholesterol levels.
Drug effects
Certain medications, such as certain diuretics, β-blockers, and certain types of hormone replacement therapy, may affect lipid levels.
Age and gender
LDL levels usually increase with age. Men and postmenopausal women typically have higher LDL levels than women.
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Lowers LDL
What medications can be used
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol include the following:
Lipid-lowering drugs
这是最常用的降低LDL胆固醇的药物,包括阿托伐他汀(atorvastatin)、辛伐他汀(simvastatin)、洛伐他汀(lovastatin)、普伐他汀(pravastatin)、瑞舒伐他汀(rosuvastatin)和氟伐他汀(fluvastatin)。
Bile acid binders
These medications can help flush out cholesterol, including colestipol, colesevelam and cholestyramine.
Cellulic acid derivatives
For example, gemfibrozil and fenofibrate are mainly used to lower triglyceride levels, but they can also lower LDL cholesterol to some extent.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
Ezetimibe, for example, reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements
These can help lower triglyceride levels and have a smaller effect on LDL cholesterol, but may be effective for some people.
Immunomodulators
Absorption inhibitors and bile acid binders can also be used to lower LDL cholesterol.
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These 5 foods come with "statins"
Usually the intake can be increased appropriately
The so-called "bring your own statin" foods are those that contain naturally occurring cholesterol-lowering ingredients. While these foods do not directly contain the ingredients of statin medications, they contain some nutrients and compounds that are thought to help lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Here are some foods that are thought to help lower cholesterol:
nut
Nuts are rich in plant sterols, dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, all of which have a positive effect on lowering LDL cholesterol. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts are all good choices.
Deep-sea fish
Deep-sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower triglyceride levels and have a lower effect on LDL cholesterol.
oats
The dietary fiber in oats, especially soluble fiber, helps lower LDL cholesterol. Consuming a small bowl of oatmeal every day can be included as part of breakfast.
legume
Legumes such as soybeans, black beans, peas, and lentils contain plant sterols and dietary fiber, which help lower LDL cholesterol.
olive oil
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and studies have shown that it can help lower LDL cholesterol while increasing beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
Although these foods may help lower cholesterol, they are not a complete replacement for medications prescribed by a doctor. If you have high cholesterol, you should follow your doctor's advice and manage your cholesterol levels in conjunction with dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.