With the acceleration of the pace of modern life and the change of dietary structure, the problem of hyperlipidemia has gradually attracted people's attention. Among them, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a representative of "bad cholesterol", and its high levels can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
This article will introduce you to 5 simple and easy ways to help you effectively reduce the cholesterol level of LDL eggs.
LDL cholesterol is high
What are the hazards
1. Athesclerosis:
High LDL-C can cause fatty plaques to form on the walls of blood vessels, causing them to thicken and harden the walls of the arteries, causing atherosclerosis.
2. Increased risk of heart disease:
Atherosclerosis can block the blood supply to the heart and increase the risk of heart disease such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, etc.
3. Risk of stroke:
A ruptured plaque in a blood vessel can cause a blood clot that can block blood vessels in the brain, leading to an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
4. Peripheral arterial disease:
High LDL-C also affects blood vessels in other parts of the body, which can lead to peripheral artery disease such as leg pain and difficulty walking.
5. Metabolic syndrome:
High levels of LDL-C are often associated with metabolic syndrome symptoms such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
LDL cholesterol
What situations require medication
1. High-risk groups:
For people with a history of heart disease, diabetes, or multiple cardiovascular risk factors (eg, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity), doctors may recommend medications, even if LDL-C levels are only slightly high.
2. Lifestyle changes are ineffective:
If LDL-C levels remain above target despite diet, exercise, and weight management, pharmacological intervention may be required.
3. Familial hypercholesterolemia:
It is a genetic disorder in which patients may have extremely high LDL-C levels even at a young age, often requiring medication.
4. Progression of cardiovascular disease:
For people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, or stroke, your doctor may recommend medications to further lower LDL-C.
5. The LDL-C level is extremely high:
Even in the absence of other risk factors, if LDL-C levels are extremely high (usually greater than 190 mg/dL), drug therapy may be needed.
Keep these 5 points in mind
Helps you lower LDL
1. Adjust your diet:
Avoid foods high in cholesterol, such as organ meats, full-fat dairy products, etc. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber, as well as fish oil and nuts rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
2. Regular exercise:
Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc., helps to deplete excess organic matter in the body and reduce LDL-C synthesis.
3. Control your weight:
Obese people are susceptible to hypercholesterolemia, so weight control is essential to reduce LDL-C levels.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol:
Both tobacco and alcohol can affect blood lipid levels, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can help improve blood lipid status.
5. Take medication according to the doctor's instructions:
If LDL-C levels are too high, your doctor may recommend a statin for treatment. Always take your medications as prescribed and monitor your lipid levels regularly.