How to reach your cholesterol targets

Make some healthy lifestyle changes

Changing your lifestyle can help you control your cholesterol and improve your heart health. Here are some things you can do:

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. You should exercise in intervals of 10 minutes or more to get optimal heart benefits.
• Eat a healthy diet – choose more whole grains, lean meats, high-fibre foods, fruits, and vegetables, and cut back on saturated and trans fats (check the ingredient list) and sweets.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking – ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to help you quit.
• Limit yourself to a maximum of 2 drinks per week and no more than 2 drinks per occasion.

Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your lifestyle changes.

Use medications as directed

Many people will need one or more medications to reach their cholesterol targets. Medications should be used in combination with healthy lifestyle changes. Keep taking your medication exactly as your doctor recommends. Even though you cannot feel it working, your treatment is helping you reach your targets.

Read "Staying motivated to reach your targets" in this feature for more help.

Keep track of your cholesterol levels

Along with medications and healthy lifestyle changes, your doctor will recommend regular cholesterol tests to see whether you are meeting your targets. Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your cholesterol test results. This will help you stay on track to meet your targets.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/You-your-doctor-and-your-cholesterol-levels