Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Cholesterol
As part of a complete prevention and treatment program
for managing your cholesterol and lowering your risk of
heart disease and stroke, your doctor may suggest that
you make some lifestyle changes. Regardless of whether
your plan includes drug therapy, you can do a number of
things every day that can positively impact your cholesterol — and your overall health:
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber
foods, lean meats and poultry, fish at least twice a week
and fat-free or 1 percent dairy products — and low in
saturated and trans fats and cholesterol — is a delicious
way to help your cholesterol levels.
Get Moving
Enjoy at least 30 minutes of physical activity more days
than not. Walk, bike, swim, jog, dance — whatever you
love to do, do it.
Avoid Tobacco Smoke
If you smoke, your cholesterol level is one more good reason
to quit. If you don’t smoke, avoid exposure to secondhand
smoke.
Tips for Success
Following a healthy diet and lifestyle can give you the
edge in the fi ght against heart disease and stroke — take
an active part. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully, and
if you don’t understand something, ask. Let your doctor
be your coach in combating heart disease and stroke. It’s
your heart and your health!
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Stats
• An average reduction of
just 12–13 mm Hg in
systolic blood pressure
over 4 years of follow-up
is associated with a 21%
reduction in coronary
heart disease, a 37%
reduction in stroke, a
25% reduction in total
cardiovascular disease
deaths, and a 13%
reduction in overall
death rates.1
• A 10% reduction in serum
cholesterol levels can
result in a 30% reduction
in the incidence of heart
attacks and strokes.2
• Currently in the United
States, among Americans
age 20 and over, 140
million are overweight or
obese.Obesity is the
cause of many serious
health problems, including
diabetes and cardiovascular
disease, the
number one killer of
adults in the US. This
is due to lack of nutrtional
education, poor
diet, and minimal physcal
activity.
1. He J, Whelton PK. Elevated systolic
blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular
and renal disease: overview of
evidence from observational epidemiologic
studies and randomized controlled
trials. American Heart Journal 1999
Sept;138(3 Pt 2):211–219.
2. Cohen, JD. A population-based approach
to cholesterol control. American
Journal of Medicine 1997;102:23–25. |
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