Cholesterol Management Methods

Since I was in my 20s, I have had high LDL cholesterol, and I am told to manage it every time I get a health checkup.

When I was young, I relied on my youth and did nothing, naturally expecting my health metrics to improve.

But I've never had a good experience even once, haha.

Now that I am getting older, I think I should manage my high cholesterol, so I have been taking medication, but my levels are not decreasing well.

 

How do people like me with hyperlipidemia manage it?

 

The most important thing is a change in eating habits, but I find it quite difficult. I think it's because of my genetics.

 

Let's learn about the precise definition and treatment methods of hyperlipidemia.

 

What is hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia (dyslipidemia) refers to a condition where there is an excess of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

This often occurs due to dietary habits, such as consuming greasy foods and carbohydrate-rich diets.

If hyperlipidemia is left untreated, it can lead to arteriosclerosis, where the blood vessels become narrowed and hardened.

 

Treatment methods

Dietary therapy

Diet therapy is the fundamental and primary treatment to be attempted for hyperlipidemia.

Limit fat intake to 25-35% of total calorie consumption, and especially restrict saturated fats from all animal fats, butter, coconut oil, and palm oil to less than 10% of total calories.

Polyunsaturated fats composed of omega-3 fatty acids from bluefish and other fish, as well as omega-6 fatty acids from corn oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower seed oil, should constitute less than 10% of the total calorie intake.

The amount of unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and other oils should be limited to less than 20% of the total calories.

Consuming excessive amounts of carbohydrates can increase triglycerides and decrease HDL cholesterol, so it is advisable to avoid such intake.

 

Exercise therapy

Aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises are all recommended as exercises to improve hyperlipidemia.

However, if you are just starting to exercise, it is recommended to begin with aerobic activities such as walking, power walking, or cycling.

More than 5 times a week, 20 to 60 minutes per day, at 65% to 90% of maximum heart rate

It is better to do it with high intensity, and exercising in multiple sessions of 10 minutes each is also effective.

It is recommended to pause for about 10 to 30 seconds with each movement and perform within a pain-free range, with a frequency of 2 to 3 times per week.

Regular exercise can help improve vascular health, but during times like these when temperature changes rapidly, cold winds can cause blood vessels to constrict and worsen the condition. During such periods, light indoor exercise is safer.

 

Medication therapy

If blood lipid levels remain consistently high despite several months of lifestyle modifications such as dietary therapy and exercise therapy, medication therapy may be implemented.

For high-risk groups with very high blood lipid levels or existing conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, medication therapy should be initiated immediately along with lifestyle improvements.

Typically, statin drugs that inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver are used.

(Source: HiDoc)