LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it forms plaques on the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people are a little worried when they find out LDL.
However, through lifestyle changes and healthy habits, we can effectively reduce LDL levels and reduce the associated health risks.
What are the dangers of LDL
Atherosclerosis:
LDL builds up on the walls of blood vessels, forming atherosclerotic plaques that lead to hardening and narrowing of the arteries, affecting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease.
Coronary heart disease:
Atherosclerotic plaques form in the coronary arteries and reduce blood supply to the heart, leading to coronary heart disease, which manifests as chest pain and angina pectoris, and in severe cases, heart attack.
Stroke:
When low-density lipoprotein accumulates in the blood vessels of the brain, causing narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, it can trigger ischemic stroke, causing damage to brain tissue and seriously affecting body functions.
Peripheral arterial disease:
Low-density lipoprotein builds up in the arteries of the extremities, leading to reduced blood flow and peripheral arterial disease, which manifests as leg pain, numbness, and difficulty moving.
Hypertension:
Arteriosclerosis and narrowing of blood vessels can increase vascular resistance, leading to high blood pressure, further increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lowers LDL
Keep these 5 points in mind
Improve eating habits:
Diet is a key factor in LDL levels. Choose fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, as well as foods rich in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
At the same time, limit your intake of saturated and trans fat foods, such as red meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise can help lower LDL levels. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
In addition, two or more sessions of strength training can also help increase metabolic rate and lower LDL.
Hold Healthy Weight:
Being overweight or obese can increase LDL levels. With a reasonable diet and moderate exercise, you can control your weight within a healthy range. Losing weight not only lowers LDL levels, but also improves the risk of other cardiovascular diseases.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol:
Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and lead to elevated LDL levels. Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is an important measure to lower LDL.
Drug therapy:
In some cases, it may be difficult to bring LDL levels down to target values through lifestyle changes alone. At this point, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower LDL.
Common medications include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, PCSK9 inhibitors, etc. Possible side effects and indications should be discussed with a doctor before taking any medication.