High cholesterol, how long to lower it? By combining a correct lifestyle with drugs, you will not have to wait long to see the first positive effects
We talk about high cholesterol when “bad” fat levels in the blood or LDL cholesterol exceed i 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl). An excess of lipids in the bloodstream can cause plaque formation in the arteries (atherosclerosis) which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases come heart attack e stroke. There are several tools to combat the high cholesterol and some more than others are effective and quick to lower it.
High cholesterol, how long to lower it?
The quickest way to reduce the high cholesterol is to assume appropriate drugs like the statinswhich can also be prescribed by the general practitioner and according to some studies reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The times to see the first positive effects are a few weeks and the extent of the reduction is significantly higher than that experienced by changing lifestyle.
However, experts recommend associating some healthier habits with drugs. The first thing is to eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Equally important is the diet. From the table it is necessary to remove products rich in fat such as red meat, non-lean dairy products, eggs and packaged “junk food” products. The assumption of saturated fats it should not exceed the 5-6% of daily calorie intake. On the contrary it is advisable to follow one vegetarian diet. A study published in Nutrition Reviews states that those who follow a diet based only on fruits and vegetables can reduce the levels of high cholesterol of 28,6% in just 4 weeks. Particularly suitable foods would be vegetables rich in fiber and sterols or protein sources such as nuts and soy.
It must then also be associated with the diet daily exercisewhich reduces excess fat and improves heart health.
Read also:
High cholesterol, fish to avoid: 6 products to eliminate from the table
High cholesterol which cured meats to eat: 5 cold cuts you can say yes to
High cholesterol and feet: 3 symptoms not to be underestimated
High cholesterol: here are 7 cheeses you can’t give up