Achieving Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Why Medication Alone Is Not the Answer

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For many people, medication is the only way to manage cholesterol levels. Yet success with medication should not minimize the importance of a healthy diet and adequate exercise. Sometimes lifestyle changes may be enough to improve cholesterol levels and reduce or eliminate the need for medication, and are key components in preventing a host of possible health complications.

"Awareness alone is not the answer, but it is a start," says Howard Rubin, M.D., cardiologist at The Methodist Hospital. "Get baseline cholesterol and triglyceride readings, have your blood pressure checked and find out your BMI, which takes into account your weight and height. It would be ideal to have your LDL cholesterol less than 100, your blood pressure 120/80 or lower, and your BMI about 25. This may not happen overnight, so set realistic goals for yourself that are attainable. It may even help to have a friend or professional help you. The reward: You may feel better and actually live longer!"

Eat Smart for Your Heart
Foods high in saturated fat — such as fatty red meats, full-fat dairy products and processed and fried foods — can worsen your cholesterol levels, while other foods may help improve your levels (see "Foods that Boost Heart Health"). While dietary changes alone may not be enough to reduce your harmful cholesterol, with or without medication, reducing the amount of harmful fats you consume is the first step toward better heart health.

Step Up Your Exercise Routine
Exercise may help improve your cholesterol levels by boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. A higher HDL level is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. In addition, physical activity can help control other risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure and being overweight. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Watch Your Weight
Carrying extra weight tends to lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Even if you must rely on medication to keep your cholesterol in check, it's wise to work on keeping your weight in check as well. Being overweight can lead to a host of health problems, including diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, gallstones and depression. Methodist offers a comprehensive weight management program.

A Combined Effort
If diet, exercise and weight control aren't enough to lower your cholesterol, talk to your physician about medication and its possible benefits and side effects. Continue to exercise and eat wisely, and get regular cholesterol screenings to achieve your best heart health.

FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR HEART HEALTH

If you're trying to improve your cholesterol levels and protect your heart, enjoy some of the following options: Oatmeal and oat bran Fish with heart-healthy omega-3s, such as salmon and tuna Soy Nuts (especially walnuts and almonds) Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols (substances in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol) such as some varieties of margarine or orange juice