[Concern] How do you manage your cholesterol levels?

I think I started to become interested in and take care of my health in my late 40s.

In my thirties, during a workplace health checkup, I was told there was a suspicion of hyperlipidemia and that I needed medical treatment. I went to the hospital and was prescribed medication, but I didn't take it and eventually threw it away.

Total cholesterol in 2020 was 315 (normal is below 200), in 2022 it was 196, and in May 2023 it was 235.

I read many books to lower my cholesterol, exercise diligently for about 5 hours a day, and of course pay close attention to my diet, but the year 2022, when my cholesterol levels were the lowest, was also the year I weighed the most.

The doctor at the hospital keeps saying that it might be a genetic factor and that continuing medication is the best option, but I really want to actively try to manage the levels somehow.

Getting a comprehensive health checkup allows you to learn your cholesterol levels in detail, but regular hospitals do not provide printed results, so I visited a health center where I found a machine that performs simple cholesterol tests.

Thinking about it, diabetics check their blood sugar levels daily, and hypertensive patients also check their blood pressure daily.

So, I looked it up and found that cholesterol self-test kits are being sold at an affordable price.

Is there anyone using this machine or a similar device?

How do patients with hyperlipidemia manage their cholesterol levels?

My mother has diabetes and checks her blood sugar every day, but I am hesitant because I am afraid of pricking my own finger.

If I check every day, I think I will be able to understand in which situations cholesterol levels rise...

How does everyone manage their cholesterol levels?