You Don't Need a Manager for Cholesterol Management

Cholesterol management is very important to maintain heart health now and into the future.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends a combination of a sound diet, daily exercise, and a healthy weight management program for cholesterol management.

Left unchecked, high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis. This occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Excess cholesterol builds up in the arteries, which is known as plaque. Over time, the arteries become clogged, which can lead to chest pain, or if a total blockage occurs, a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, you should invest the time into an effective cholesterol management program.

Cholesterol management

Daily exercise can be an effective form of cholesterol management. While exercise does not burn cholesterol by itself, it reduces fatty triglycerides in the body and also triggers enzymes in the bloodstream that converts the ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to the more favored ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it is removed from the blood.

Any exercise will assist you with cholesterol management. However, for best results, you should build towards a more aggressive exercise program. Start with a moderate exercise 20 minutes a day, four days a week. Over a period of two months, increase the intensity of the program, and exercise for a period of one hour, six to seven days a week. The key to sticking with an exercise program is to mix various activities into your weekly schedule.

A healthy diet will also help you with your cholesterol management. Choosing foods such as oatmeal and oat bran, fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, and soy protein are great food choices that will lower your LDL cholesterol.

By following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you will quickly have your weight and cholesterol management under control.