Usually the medical treatment of high cholesterol centers around the approach of lowering the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. There also some approach that will add the treatment to increase the HDL or the good cholesterol. We look at the process in which high cholesterol is treated below.



Logically, before any treatment can be started, it will be fairly important to know the cholesterol level and the ration of total cholesterol over good cholesterol. This is usually done through a blood test in the doctor's office. The number will give your doctor an idea how serious the cholesterol problem is and how vigorous should the treatment be.

Usually the first thing your doctor will discussed with you, once you know your cholesterol level, is the dietary changes. A diet that comprised of low fats, high fiber like fresh foods, fruits and vegetables will be recommended. This will reduce the intake of the bad fats into your body.

After the dietary recommendation, your doctor will also advise you on your exercise and activities level. Which will help in the increase of good cholesterol and losing weight. Usually a regular exercise routine will be recommended if you don;t already have one.

Medication may be started right away for some who needs it. People with a medical history of coronary heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure are usually the one as they are at a higher risk of having heart attack and stroke.

Your doctor will likely prescribe statin for people who need immediate medication. Statin has a effect of slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body this helps to reduce the complications that are associated with high cholesterol. There are situation where the medication prescribe are not from the statin family. These will help to prevent or reduce the amount of cholesterol that will be absorbed in your digestive system. If statin is used, do know that there could be possible side effects.

Once you starts the treatment of high cholesterol, periodic check will be done by your doctor to see the progress you are making with the treatment. If you chose diet and exercise to lower cholesterol, these test will indicate if medication is necessary as well. If you are already on medication, then these test will tell if the dose are appropriate.

These routine test and check up is the perfect time to talk to your doctor for any concern that you may have. A good example would be the drastic change in diet, many people may not be able to cope and your doctor may recommend a dietitian to help. Another possibility is that you may suffer from the side effects from the medications, where your doctor may change it. Also if you cannot follow the exercise routine due to health reasons, alternative may be suggested.