How to treat Hyperlipidemia
The key to treating hyperlipidemia is Lifestyle changes. If there are no improvements, your doctor may prescribe drugs to help you manage your high cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes play significant roles in managing hyperlipidemia at home. Even in inherited cases (familial combined hyperlipidemia), they are a significant part of treatment. These lifestyle changes can help reduce various health complications, such as stroke and heart disease. If you are taking drugs to control hyperlipidemia, your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes to boost the effects of the drugs.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important steps to managing hyperlipidemia. Here are some diet changes that can help:
- Choose healthier fats: Stay away from saturated fats that are found in bacon, sausage, red meat, and full-fat dairy products.
- Cut out the trans fats: You will find trans fats in fried food and processed foods, such as cookies, crackers, and other snacks.
- Eat more omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the heart healthy. They are found in some types of fish, including herring, mackerel, and salmon. They can also be found in some nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and flaxseeds.
- Increase your fiber intake: Fibers are heart healthy substances.
- Learn heart healthy recipes: Visit the American Heart Association’s recipe page for guidelines on how to cook good meals, snacks, and desserts that won’t increase your cholesterol.
- Eat more fruits and veggies: Studies show that they contain high levels of fiber and vitamins. They also contain low levels of saturated fat. Maintain a healthy-for-you weight.
Your doctor may advise you to lose weight if you have obesity or high body weight. It is important to know how many calories you are consuming and how many you’re burning when losing weight. For an adult, losing weight usually involves removing 3,500 calories from your diet. You can work with a doctor or dietician to develop an eating plan that works for you. Your doctor may also recommend various physical activities that can help burn more calories.