High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. However, like most things in life, it’s hard to fix a problem if you don’t know it exists. A simple blood test at your local pharmacy can check for high cholesterol.
The best way to maintain and achieve healthy cholesterol levels is through exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and taking prescription medicine if needed.
Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain your cholesterol levels at their ideal number to live a healthier and happier life.
Know the Facts
To maintain or achieve ideal cholesterol levels – first, you have to know where you stand. Your GP can run simple blood cholesterol tests to measure cholesterol levels.
Your starting cholesterol numbers of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) will give you an idea of what changes you need to make in your life if any.
Eat Well
To lower or maintain blood cholesterol levels, it’s important to eat a heart-healthy diet that includes a regular intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Poultry and low-fat dairy are also important, and unsaturated vegetable oils such as safflower, canola, or olive oil are good for you, too.
Most importantly, avoid foods that are high in trans and saturated and trans fats because these foods can contribute to artery-clogging cholesterol.
Exercise More
Beginning a regular exercise program can have a variety of positive effects when it comes to controlling cholesterol. Exercise can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, and control your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking will result in positive changes in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and, more importantly, reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Follow Your Prescription
Even with positive lifestyle changes some people still need a little extra help controlling their cholesterol with medication. Always take your dosage as prescribed and never stop taking medication unless your physician tells you it’s OK.
Get Regular Cholesterol Tests
Regular cholesterol tests can tell you how effective your treatment is and what progress you have made, and how much longer you need to continue. Even if you have healthy cholesterol levels, regular cholesterol tests can tell you if anything has changed.
Drop into any Intrigue Health pharmacy branch in South London to get a Cholesterol test in Bexley, Medway, or Gravesend.
