There has been a significant increase in the number of individuals suffering from the effects of high cholesterol levels. Many studies have proven that an unhealthy increase in levels of bad cholesterol in the blood can lead to numerous diseases. High cholesterol levels could also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among persons residing in industrialized countries such as the USA. The rising number of cases of high cholesterol levels may often be attributed to a diet consisting of high saturated fats, smoking and their sedentary lifestyle.
Several types of medications for the treatment of unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) levels have been made available to consumers. Most popular of these types of drugs is the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor or simply known as statins. This form of cholesterol lowering medicines come in various name drugs and is being used more and more in order to help high-risk patients significantly lower their cholesterol levels. Another function of statins is to increase the levels of good cholesterol or HDL.
While statins and other recommended drugs for lowering cholesterol levels have been shown to be very effective, there are other ways for individuals to lower their bad cholesterol levels without resorting to the use of synthetic drugs. One of these ways is by leading a more dynamic lifestyle. Exercise and physical activities are crucial parts of some therapies that aim to bring down bad cholesterol levels. With regular exercise blood pressure is lowered and regulated. Excess weight is removed and diabetes risk is reduced.
Following a low cholesterol diet program can also help a great deal in the reduction high cholesterol levels. Scientists have discovered that a low cholesterol diet can decrease bad cholesterol levels by as much as 29 percent in a month's time. This indicates that a recommended dietary program can also be as effective as synthetic drugs like statins for treating people who suffer from high cholesterol levels. Studies have also shown that consuming low cholesterol and high fiber foods can reduce a person's LDL by seven percent.
A carefully planned diet program that can help individuals avoid the development of coronary heart disease. These types of diet include eating non-hydrogenated or unprocessed fats and having a diet rich in soy protein, nuts and fiber-rich foods such as barley and oats. Increased consumption of Omega-3 fats from fish as well as other plant sources put up also have a positive effect in a low cholesterol diet as well the consumption of good amount of fruits and vegetables.
