Has your primary care physician diagnosed you with hyperlipidemia? More commonly called high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia can be managed through medication, exercise and dietary changes. In this blog, we will explore some diet tips to help you control your blood cholesterol and avoid serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease.
What Is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition marked by high levels of fats, or lipids, in your bloodstream. About 93 million American adults have hyperlipidemia.
While we all need cholesterol for many bodily functions and structures, such as cell membranes, having too much of what doctors call “bad cholesterol” can lead to serious health problems. Examples of these health problems are:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Peripheral artery disease
- Stroke
During your annual physical exam with your primary care doctor, a simple blood test, called a lipid profile, may reveal that your LDL levels are too high. This “bad” cholesterol can, over time, lead to plaque build-up in your arteries. Sadly, you may not even know you have this serious health problem unless you are vigilant about your routine cholesterol check-up.
Your HDL level is another important health indicator. This “good” cholesterol carries excess lipids through the bloodstream to your liver for elimination from the body. Higher levels of HDL can be beneficial to physiological function, as can a ratio of low LDL to high HDL.
Can You Manage Hyperlipidemia?
The good news is yes, you can manage your cholesterol levels with doctor-coached changes in lifestyle habits, with medications and with diet. Most people know that routine exercise–walking, cycling or swimming as examples–lower three important indicators of health. These indicators are blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Exercise also helps control body weight.
Besides exercising and adding more movement to each day, people should limit stress and alcohol consumption, get adequate sleep and keep a healthy body weight. Diets which are more plant-based, contain whole foods and increased fiber and hydration dovetail well with regular physical activity and prescription cholesterol medications called statins.
However, the question remains, how specifically can a hyperlipidemia patient change his or her diet for the better? Here are some tips to help you on your journey to better cardiovascular health and function through lowered cholesterol levels.
Tip #1 Incorporate Soluble Fiber into Your Diet
Studies show that five to ten grams of soluble fiber daily will lower your LDL numbers. You can find it in oatmeal, apples, kidney beans and many vegetables. Soluble fiber benefits your digestive health, too.
Tip #2 Eat Fatty Fish
How can fatty fish be beneficial? It contains omega-3 fatty acids which keep blood triglycerides at healthy levels. Tuna, trout and salmon contain these fatty acids in abundance.
Tip #3 Use Olive Oil
Olive oil can reduce your chance of having a heart attack. Substitute it for butter and use it in salads and for sauteed dishes.
Tip #4 Read Food Labels
Look for healthy ingredients (such as soluble fiber) and avoid unhealthy things such as trans fats, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This is a common ingredient in crackers, cookies and other processed foods, especially snacks and fast foods.
Tip #5 Eat Nuts as a Snack
They will fill you up better than chips and pretzels. Plus, they can lower your risk for heart attack, particularly if you already have cardiovascular disease.
Tip #6 Incorporate Whey Protein into Your Diet
Some studies have found that consuming whey protein lowers blood pressure, LDL, and total cholesterol levels. You can find whey protein in dairy products, such as yogurt, ricotta and cottage cheeses and whole cow’s milk. You also can find it at health food stores as a powder.
Hyperlipidemia Treatments in Sarasota, FL
At Intercoastal Medical Group, our cardiologists, family practice physicians and internal medicine doctors help numerous patients control their cholesterol levels. Your treatment plan will be fully individualized to your current health status, family history and lifestyle factors. With patience and persistence, you and your healthcare provider can partner in managing hyperlipidemia for long-term health.
Learn more about diet and cholesterol levels by calling us for an in-office consultation with your PCP or with one of our board-certified cardiologists. You may request a visit here as well. We look forward to helping you have the best heart health possible.
