High cholesterol usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You won’t know it’s a problem until a test shows it or it leads to heart disease. That makes the lipid panel one of your best tools. Get tested and use the results to take action.
A standard fasting lipid panel reports total cholesterol, LDL (bad), HDL (good), and triglycerides. Simple targets many clinicians use: total <200 mg/dL, LDL <100 mg/dL (or <70 mg/dL if you’re at very high risk), HDL >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women, and triglycerides <150 mg/dL. Your doctor will set the exact goal based on age, diabetes, blood pressure, and smoking.
How often to test? If you’re healthy, every 4–6 years. If you have risk factors or are on medication, expect checks 4–12 weeks after a change and then every 3–12 months.
Diet changes work and they’re simple to start. Cut saturated fats (think fatty beef, butter, full-fat dairy) and avoid trans fats (often in processed baked goods). Add soluble fiber—oats, beans, apples—aim for 5–10 grams a day from food. Eat fatty fish twice a week for omega-3s, or use a prescription omega-3 if triglycerides are very high. Plant sterols (about 2 grams daily) can shave a bit off LDL.
Move more and lose excess weight. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week—brisk walking, cycling, swimming. Even losing 5–10% of body weight often improves your numbers. Quit smoking and limit alcohol; both affect your heart risk beyond cholesterol.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications help. Statins are first-line and usually effective. Common side effects include muscle aches and rarely liver issues—providers check lipids and sometimes liver tests after starting. If statins aren’t enough or don’t suit you, options include ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors for very high risk, and fibrates mainly for high triglycerides. Talk specifics with your clinician—drug choice depends on your risk and other meds.
Thinking about supplements? Fish oil helps triglycerides; red yeast rice contains natural statin-like compounds but varies in strength and quality—use caution. Niacin raises HDL but can cause flushing and other side effects, so discuss before using.
Buying meds online? Only use reputable pharmacies that require a prescription and show real credentials. If a site promises prescription drugs without a prescription or prices that seem impossibly low, be cautious. Check pharmacy seals and reviews, and consult your doctor before ordering.
Want a simple next step? Get a lipid panel, write down your numbers, and bring them to your next appointment. Small changes—one meal swap, regular walks, a talk about statins—add up fast.
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