Why Should You Work To Lower Cholesterol?

There are both harmful and protective forms of cholesterol. These two are known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as �bad� cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly referred to as �good� cholesterol.

Increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are good, as these carry cholesterol away from the cells to the liver, where they are broken down or passed out of the body. However, elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may be bad, as it can build up in the artery walls, leading to a variety of health problems. In turn, we recommend that you ask your doctor to measure your cholesterol levels with a blood test.

Inflated LDL cholesterol levels can lead to a range of dangerous health concerns, such as:

• Narrowing of the arteries
• Mini-stroke
• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease
• Heart attack

High cholesterol levels can result in these extremely serious health conditions, as cholesterol builds up in the artery walls. In turn, the flow of blood to your heart, brain and rest of your body is restricted. The potential development of blood clots may also increase. However, cholesterol medications are available, which work to effectively lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in the blood.

How To Lower LDL Cholesterol?

If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol by your doctor, you can make simple lifestyle changes that will work to decrease your LDL cholesterol levels and improve your health:

• Maintain a low fat diet
• Reduce your intake of saturated fats
• Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grain cereals
• Exercise regularly
• Manage a healthy weight
• Stop smoking

If, after adapting your lifestyle, your cholesterol levels have not dropped, cholesterol medications are available. Here at Oxford Online Pharmacy, we provide cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins. Statins are administered if lifestyle changes have not helped to reduce cholesterol level, and may be offered to those with a family medical history of high cholesterol. If you are prescribed statins, we strongly advise that you continue to maintain regular exercise, as well as a nutritious and well-balanced diet.