Download High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a natural component of the fats in the bloodstream and in all the cells of the
body. While cholesterol is an essential part of a healthy body, high levels of cholesterol in
the blood increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to stroke or a
heart attack. Too much cholesterol circulating in the blood can create sticky deposits (called
plaque) along the artery walls. Plaque can eventually obstruct or even block the flow of
blood to the brain, heart and other organs, and to the legs.
There are two main types of cholesterol: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density
lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is generally considered to be ‘good’ cholesterol, while LDL is
considered ‘bad.’ Triglycerides are another fatty substance found in the blood.
Some people have a family history of high cholesterol. The most important risk factors for
high cholesterol are being overweight or obese, diets high in saturated fat and trans-fatty
acids (found frequently in processed foods, such as those that have been hydrogenated
or fried, butter, cheese, meats), low fibre in the diet, little physical activity, stress, smoking
cigarettes (tobacco use lowers HDL cholesterol).
How is high cholesterol managed?
Changing eating habits is key in preventing high cholesterol. Other important lifestyle
changes include losing weight and then maintaining a normal weight, quitting smoking,
reducing stress and increasing physical activity.
Lifestyle and nutrition
It is important to reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol consumed each day.
Saturated fats come mainly from animal sources such as butter, cheese, milk, cream, and
ice cream.
It is also important to increase daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish (lean protein),
and whole grains, supplementing the diet with other protective components such as fibre.
Medications
Specific cholesterol-lowering medications are often prescribed, called statins. Taking statins
can reduce both heart disease and stroke when used by people with high cholesterol. Side
effects include inflammation of the muscles, joint pain, stomach upset, and liver damage.
Niacin (nicotinic acid or nicotinamide) is used to treat high LDL and triglyceride levels.
Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and clofibrate) are used in people who cannot tolerate
niacin. Side effects include muscle inflammation, stomach upset, sun sensitivity, gallstones,
irregular heartbeat, and liver damage.
Bile acid binding resins (cholestyramine, colestipol) are used to treat high LDL levels.
Supplements and herbs
Soluble fibres are those in psyllium husk, guar gum, and oat bran and have a cholesterollowering effect when added to a low-fat, cholesterol lowering diet.
Replacing some animal protein with soy protein in the diet results in lower blood cholesterol
levels, especially when soy is consumed as part of a general low-fat diet.
The dietary antioxidants, vitamin E, folic acid, fibre, and soy can help to prevent the
development of heart disease.
IM GA TE WAY
Leading Resource in Integrative Medicine
Fish oils rich in the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) may benefit people with heart disease.
Walnuts are one of the best sources of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Almonds
appear to have similar effects when used as a substitute for a portion of monounsaturated
fats (oils, margarine, avocados, nuts, meats) in low-fat diets.
Other herbs and supplements that may help lower cholesterol levels are noted below:
Fenugreek seeds have been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and
increase HDL cholesterol levels. These effects appear to result from reduced intestinal
absorption of cholesterol.
Red yeast rice, the fermented product of rice and red yeast, can reduce total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Garlic reduces elevated total cholesterol levels but the effect is small.
Green tea may have both anticancer and antioxidant effects. It can also lower total
cholesterol and raise HDL, the ‘good cholesterol’, levels.
Isoflavones in red clover may raise HDL levels, especially in menopausal women.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and is essential for energy production. Levels of
CoQ10 have been found to be lower in people with high cholesterol compared to healthy
individuals of the same age. When people with high cholesterol take statins, CoQ10 levels
appear to fall. CoQ10 supplements can correct the deficiency caused by statin medications
without affecting cholesterol levels.
L-carnitine is produced and stored in skeletal muscles and the heart and may be beneficial
in treating conditions such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, and high
cholesterol.
What else do I need to consider?
People who are being treated for high cholesterol should have their cholesterol levels
measured every 6 months and if they are on cholesterol-lowering medication they should
have regular liver function tests as well.
Links and Resources
Lab Tests Online:
www.labtestsonline.org.au/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/
Better Health Channel:
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Note: For better results, the optimal dosage of herbs or supplements must be
used. Please speak with your healthcare provider for optimal dosage information.
IM GA TE WAY
Leading Resource in Integrative Medicine