High cholesterol does not cause symptoms, but its consequences can be worse than any pain.
It is common in cardiology consultations that many patients do not want to start treatment to lower their cholesterol levels, because they prefer to first try a change in their diet and do physical exercise. That would be very good, but many know that they will not establish significant changes in their daily lives in that sense.
This decision is understandable to a certain extent, because the increase in blood cholesterol does not cause symptoms to patients and therefore the perception of danger or risk may be lower. At this point it is important to understand and learn all the risks that hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can cause to our health. Everyone knows the increased risk of heart or cerebral infarction with the physical and psychological consequences, as well as repercussions for society. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in Spain.
The first step, of course, should be a change in lifestyle, including a diet low in saturated fats (avoiding processed pastries, fried foods, sausages, whole milk, butter, etc.). On the other hand, it is recommended to eat healthy fats ( monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats ). These are found in most nuts, soy products, olive oil, avocados, albacore tuna, and salmon.
Another measure to combat high cholesterol is to perform regular physical activity, at least 150 minutes a week, of moderate intensity. Maintain body weight.
All of this may not be enough because we are genetically predisposed to having high blood fat values, due to hormonal and metabolic disorders or because the levels are already too high. In this case, pharmacological treatment is useful.
From natural products such as red yeast rice, to the well-known statins, ezetimibe, monoclonal antibodies, resins, and other drugs that are pending to be marketed to reduce cholesterol absorption and lower blood levels.
Whatever measure we finally take to lower our cholesterol, we have to make the decision, do something and change our lifestyle habits and opting for a healthier life should be the cornerstone of the treatment that not only has a positive impact on our cholesterol levels. cholesterol, but in our quality of life, in many aspects of our health and finally in our life expectancy.