Cholesterol-Lowering Tips to Improve Health

As people become more and more health conscious, learning new ways to prevent health problems such as heart attack and cardiovascular disease becomes extremely beneficial to people at risk of these problems. In the U.S., it is estimated that fifty percent of adults have high or marginal cholesterol levels, seriously increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and other problems. This widespread dilemma can be treated with statin drugs and changes in lifestyle, however, it is up to the individual to decide which way to approach their high cholesterol.

The National Cholesterol Education Program strongly recommends that people with high cholesterol try their best to implement changes in their diet and increase their level of exercise. It is recommended that the majority of people consume no more than 16 grams of saturated fat each day, since this type of fat tends to raise cholesterol levels in the blood when consumed in excess. Also, it is important to limit cholesterol intake to no more than 200 milligrams each day, which usually comes easier when a person’s diet includes less saturated fat. By adding more whole grains, fruits and vegetables to your diet and cutting out more unhealthy foods, it is possible to lower cholesterol without the help of a statin. Doctors also recommend that people with high cholesterol consume more soluble fiber, which is found in foods like fruits, vegetables, oats and beans. This increase in soluble fiber prevents cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It is also helpful to reach a healthy body weight, which helps improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health. If these lifestyle changes do not lower cholesterol to a healthy level, it may be necessary to start taking a statin to manage cholesterol more effectively. Still, it is not recommended that people with high or borderline cholesterol levels start a statin before making an effort to increase the level of exercise they receive and improve their daily diet.

Statins are prescribed to people with high cholesterol to help lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease. These drugs lower cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces by blocking the protein that makes cholesterol. Before starting a statin, it is important do discuss the side effects of the drug with your doctor, and make sure it will not interfere with any other drug you are currently taking.

With any drug, there is a possibility that a doctor or hospital can make a mistake by prescribing the wrong medication, or the wrong dose of the correct medication. If you or a loved one has questions involving medication malpractice in New York, please contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos’ medication malpractice attorneys also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

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