if cholesterol is high - #14322
I am really worried because my doctor told me my cholesterol is high. Like, way higher than it should be. I mean, I thought I was eating OK – not perfect, but not awful either. I have been trying to eat more veggies and cut back on fried foods, but it’s hard. Last week, after my test results came in, I started feeling this weird pressure in my chest, not like a full-on heart attack kind of feeling, but enough to freak me out a bit. I even googled what happens if cholesterol is high and saw all these scary things about heart disease and strokes. Now I'm wondering – can my diet alone really change my cholesterol levels? Or should I be worried about medications if cholesterol is high? I haven’t started any meds yet, but I’m wondering if that’ll be the next step. And what about exercise? I try to stay active but with my job, it’s hard to find time. Please help – I am just trying to figure out what happens if cholesterol is high and what I can do to fix it. Any advice or personal experiences would be super appreciated!
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Doctors’ responses
Having high cholesterol can indeed raise concerns, but it’s good that you’re proactive about it. Diet and lifestyle changes can substantially influence cholesterol levels, although the extent of the effect can differ between individuals. Prioritizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing saturated fats found in fried and processed foods is crucial. It’s key to focus on fibers and healthy fats, like those from nuts, seeds, and fish, which can help lower cholesterol. Exercise plays a significant role too—it helps increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) when done regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, but any increase in activity can benefit you. Concerning medication, it may be a necessary step depending on your levels and overall risk factors like family history, smoking status, blood pressure, etc. If it’s advised, it’s usually alongside diet and exercise, not instead of them. The chest pressure you’re describing warrants attention, even if it feels minor. It’s wise to check back with your doctor to ensure it’s not linked to your cholesterol level, especially since symptoms like that could be early warning signs of more serious conditions. They might suggest more tests or monitor you more closely. Ultimately, managing high cholesterol typically involves a balanced approach combining diet, exercise, and possibly medication based on individual needs. There’s a lot you can do to manage your situation; it just requires consistent and informed efforts.
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