High cholesterol is a common but serious health condition that affects millions worldwide. In the United States, it is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, contributing significantly to mortality rates. Globally, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the number one cause of death.
But what exactly is high cholesterol? Simply put, cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. While your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, having too much can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
High cholesterol is largely preventable and manageable. Key risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, genetics, and family history. But there are many lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.
Here are two lifestyle changes you can start today to lower your cholesterol:
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet while reducing saturated fats and trans fats found in red meat and processed foods.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help raise your good cholesterol (HDL) and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL).
Preventive screenings are also crucial. A simple blood test can measure your cholesterol levels and help you take action before it's too late.
At HealthPrevent360, we specialize in helping you prevent high cholesterol and its associated risks. Our comprehensive and convenient prevention assessment, guided by board-certified physician experts and advanced AI technology, provides you with a personalized 5-year prevention plan. Prioritize your health today, live longer and healthier to support those you love!
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