How to Control LDL
- 1). Talk to your doctor about taking a cholesterol-lowering medicine, a statin such as Lipitor. Medicine is effective at lowering and controlling LDL cholesterol levels. Doctors prescribe medication for a range of cholesterol levels, depending on the patient's risk of heart attack.
- 2). Change your diet. Diet is arguably the most important factor in high cholesterol levels. Doctors recommend that you eat a balanced diet with foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Your diet should contain healthy levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol, which can be found in foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet, such as fish and olive oil. Eat plenty of whole grains, which have soluble fiber, plants, legumes and other natural and unprocessed foods, and you will be able to control your LDL level or lower it.
- 3). Exercise regularly. Try aiming for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days per week. You can speed walk, jog, use an elliptical machine or do a variety of other aerobic activities. Play sports if you are uncomfortable being in a gym setting. Try to maintain an exercise program for 12 weeks to see positive results in your cholesterol levels. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have a heart condition.
- 4). Consider a niacin supplement, which is shown to improve levels of HDL cholesterol. Niacin may cause side effects if taken with a statin, so consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
