How to treat high total cholesterol
In recent years, with changes in lifestyle and adjustments in dietary structure, the problem of high cholesterol has gradually become a health hazard that plagues many people. High total cholesterol not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but may also lead to other health problems. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the treatment of high total cholesterol.
1. The dangers of high total cholesterol
Excessive total cholesterol may lead to serious diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The following are the main dangers of high cholesterol:
| Hazard type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| cardiovascular disease | Arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction |
| cerebrovascular disease | Stroke, cerebral thrombosis |
| other health problems | Complications of hypertension and diabetes |
2. Treatment methods for high total cholesterol
Treating high total cholesterol requires a combination of lifestyle, dietary modification, and drug treatment. The following are specific treatments:
1. Lifestyle adjustments
Changing bad lifestyle habits is the first step to lowering cholesterol. Here are a few points to note:
| lifestyle | specific suggestions |
|---|---|
| sports | At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking and swimming |
| quit smoking | Smoking lowers HDL (good cholesterol) and increases cardiovascular risk |
| Liquor limit | No more than 2 cups a day for men and no more than 1 cup for women |
| Decompress | Relieve stress through meditation, yoga and more |
2. Diet adjustment
A reasonable diet is crucial to lowering cholesterol. The following are recommended dietary recommendations:
| food category | Recommended food | restrict food |
|---|---|---|
| fat | Olive oil, nuts, deep-sea fish | Animal fats, fried foods |
| protein | Beans, fish, skinless poultry | Red meat, processed meat |
| carbohydrates | Whole grains, oats, brown rice | Refined sugar, white bread |
| fruits and vegetables | Various fresh fruits and vegetables | High sugar canned fruits |
3. Medication
When lifestyle and dietary modifications are not effective, your doctor may recommend medication. The following are common cholesterol-lowering medications:
| drug type | Representative medicine | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|---|
| Statins | Atorvastatin, simvastatin | Inhibit cholesterol synthesis |
| bile acid sequestrants | Cholestyramine | Promote cholesterol excretion |
| cholesterol absorption inhibitor | Ezetimibe | Reduce intestinal absorption |
| PCSK9 inhibitors | alircumab | Enhance LDL clearance |
3. Natural therapy assistance
In addition to conventional treatments, some natural remedies may help lower cholesterol:
| naturopathy | Specific methods | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| dietary supplements | Omega 3, red yeast rice, plant sterols | Need to consult a doctor |
| Chinese herbal medicine | Hawthorn, Cassia seed, Gynostemma pentaphylla | Avoid conflicts with medications |
| functional food | Oats, nuts, soy products | Eat in moderation |
4. Regular monitoring and follow-up
Treating high cholesterol is a long-term process, and regular monitoring is crucial:
| Monitoring items | Frequency | target value |
|---|---|---|
| total cholesterol | every 3-6 months | <200mg/dL |
| LDL cholesterol | every 3-6 months | <100mg/dL (lower for high-risk groups) |
| HDL cholesterol | every 3-6 months | >40mg/dL (male), >50mg/dL (female) |
| Triglycerides | every 3-6 months | <150mg/dL |
5. Latest research progress
According to recent popular medical research, the following new findings may provide new ideas for the treatment of high cholesterol:
1.Intestinal flora regulation: New research suggests that specific probiotics may help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
2.gene therapy: Gene editing technology for familial hypercholesterolemia is in clinical trials.
3.Artificial intelligence assistance: AI technology is used to predict patients’ response to cholesterol-lowering drugs and improve treatment accuracy.
Summary
Treating high total cholesterol requires a comprehensive approach, including a healthy lifestyle, a reasonable diet, necessary medication, and regular monitoring. Everyone's situation is different, and it is recommended to develop a personalized treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor. With continued efforts, most people can effectively control their cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
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