How Long Does it Take to Lower Cholesterol

Have you checked your cholesterol level regularly?

This level of an individual is closely associated with heart health. That’s why health professionals recommend maintaining a healthy range of cholesterol levels.

There are two types of cholesterol such as low-density lipoprotein or the “bad” and high-density lipoprotein or the “good” cholesterol.

In the United States, almost 73.5 million adults are experiencing a high level of LDL that puts them at a double risk of developing heart disease.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid, or fat, found in all human cells and flows through the bloodstream.

it’s essential for various bodily functions, including:

• Building cell membranes: Cholesterol helps form the outer layer of cells.
• Producing hormones: It’s a precursor for estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.
• Aiding fat digestion: Cholesterol is necessary to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

While cholesterol is vital, too much can lead to health problems. This is where the concept of “good” and “bad” cholesterol comes into play.

Two Types of Cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):  Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. Excess LDL can build up in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the artery walls. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol back to the liver for elimination. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

What is the Ideal Level of Cholesterol?

The ideal or healthy amount of total cholesterol is about 199 mg/dL or lower than that. If the level of your cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or more, then you should be careful because it is higher than the recommended amount and may cause adverse effects on your health. If the range is between 200 to 239 mg/dL, it is within the borderline.

For the LDL, it is recommended to maintain 100 mg/dL or lower than that; the higher level is 160 mg/dL or beyond. 130 to 159 mg/dL is within the borderline level that is tolerable.

It is recommended to have regular checkups of your cholesterol every 4 to 6 years when you reach the age of 20.

How to Reduce Cholesterol in 30 Days

Once you are diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, you should ensure to act immediately on how to reduce it. Your doctor may prescribe medication, but there are simple and natural ways to lower your cholesterol level.

1. Lifestyle changes

Practicing a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing the risk of developing health conditions. Lifestyle changes can help to lower cholesterol levels. Dr. Eugenia Gianos said that lifestyle and dietary changes can lower the cholesterol level by 20 percent, but may also vary on how the person practices it.

Usually, it takes about 3 to 6 months to lower the cholesterol level by doing regular exercise and a healthy diet. But, the changes are noticeable shortly in men than women.

2. Diet

Included in the lifestyle changes is improving your diet as it plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol levels. This is possible by reducing the intake of saturated fat and increasing dietary fiber.

You should avoid consuming hyper-processed foods that are harmful to your heart. Likewise, fatty foods can clog your arteries which may lead to stroke and other heart problems.

With this, you should avoid if not reduce intake of saturated fats and trans fats that easily raise bad cholesterol and heart-damaging. Instead, you should increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids that can protect you from heart disease.

It does not necessarily mean becoming a complete vegetarian to maintain a healthy range of cholesterol levels. Consuming more fruits and vegetables as well as fiber-rich foods. Plant foods are high in soluble fiber which is beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol or LDL levels.

Plant proteins also help to lower cholesterol levels. That’s why you should include plant proteins and other products like soybeans, soymilk, and tofu. It is also recommended to eat whole grains to reduce both the LDL and total cholesterol levels as well as support a healthy heart.

Besides, chicken protein is easily digestible and can help your regular protein balance.

Read: Top 13 Foods That Unclog Arteries Naturally

3. Exercise

Regular exercise is another natural way to lower cholesterol levels. Aside from weight loss benefits, you can also expect cardiovascular benefits through exercise. Aerobic exercise enhances the HDL level, thus protecting you from heart disease.

Exercise along with healthy eating can help in lowering the cholesterol level. This means that to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol, an individual should avoid poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

The vertical lines represent 95 percent confidence intervals. Significance levels, after Bonferroni’s adjustment for the six pairwise comparisons, are indicated as follows: the asterisk denotes P<0.05 for the comparison with the control group, the dagger P<0.001 for the comparison with the control group, and the double dagger P<0.001 for the comparison with the exercise group. Source: nejm.org

4. Medications

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins.

These medications can have a relatively quick impact on cholesterol levels, often within 6 to 8 weeks.

Statins work by blocking the liver from producing cholesterol. They are very effective at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and can also raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

Does lowering your cholesterol protect you from ever having a heart attack?

Cholesterol plays an important part in our body to make hormones, digestive fluids, and Vitamin D. That’s why cholesterol itself is not bad because it helps the organs to function properly.

However, if the LDL is more than the normal level, then it can be a problem. This issue increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke and can cause severe damage to the arteries.

Lowering the cholesterol level in a way can protect you from the risk of a heart attack. If there’s too much bad cholesterol in your body, most likely it will clog the arteries.

When the arteries harden, you may experience atherosclerosis which prevents the blood from flowing through the arteries. This puts pressure on your heart to push blood. Likewise, the plaque accumulated in the arteries can lead to heart disease.

Read More:  21 DIY Natural Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

When the coronary arteries are blocked by plaque, the flow of oxygen-rich blood toward the heart muscle is disrupted. This problem may cause angina which is a warning that you’re at risk of experiencing a heart attack.

Therefore, to avoid a heart attack you should ensure that your arteries are not blocked and the blood can flow freely throughout them.

In men, chances of heart attacks are high, but in women, the rate of cardiac arrest is lower.

There are many supplements to improve the immune system.

These can help them to maintain a proper cholesterol level.

What role does genetics play in determining cholesterol levels?

Studies showed that several factors affect cholesterol levels and genetics is one of those. Most likely, if a close relative or member of the family experiences high cholesterol levels, there’s a great possibility that you may also experience such a health condition.

When a high cholesterol level runs in your family, it is called familial hypercholesterolemia. This is possible as the genes of the parents were passed to the children, thus the level of cholesterol in the blood also increases.

People having familial hypercholesterolemia are unable to regulate or control their cholesterol levels despite lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise. Instead, they need to take medications.

To know if familial hypercholesterolemia runs in your family, genetic testing can be done. This will identify the faulty genes. If the test results are positive, your doctor will recommend frequent lipid panel screenings. This is the best way to create a monitoring plan and rule out the best treatment.

Monitoring Progress: The Key to Success

Frequency of Monitoring:

To gauge the effectiveness of chosen interventions, regular lipid profile tests are indispensable. These tests provide a comprehensive analysis of cholesterol levels, allowing for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:

Regular consultations with healthcare professionals ensure a proactive approach to cholesterol management. These experts can assess progress, address concerns, and fine-tune strategies for optimal results.

FAQs on Lowering Cholesterol

1. How long does it typically take to lower cholesterol levels?

While individual results may vary, noticeable improvements can often be seen within 4-6 weeks with a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and medication.

However, it’s important to note that genetics, treatment adherence, and overall health can influence the timeline.

2. What is the most effective way to lower cholesterol naturally?

A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is crucial. Regular physical activity and weight management are also essential.

However, for some individuals, medication may be necessary to achieve optimal cholesterol levels.

3. Can cholesterol levels be reduced without medication?

Yes, many people can lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. However, the effectiveness of lifestyle changes may vary, and medication may be necessary for individuals with high cholesterol or other risk factors.

4. Do cholesterol-lowering medications work immediately?

Medications like statins may start to lower cholesterol levels within 2-4 weeks.

However, lifestyle changes are equally important for long-term benefits.

5. How often should I check my cholesterol levels?

Regular monitoring is essential. Your healthcare provider will recommend a suitable frequency based on your risk factors and treatment plan.

6. What foods should I avoid to lower cholesterol?

Limit or avoid foods high in saturated fats (red meat, butter, full-fat dairy), trans fats (processed foods), and cholesterol (organ meats).

7. Can stress impact cholesterol levels?

Yes, chronic stress can raise cholesterol. Effective stress management techniques include meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and regular exercise.

8. Are there any supplements that can help lower cholesterol?

While some supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber may be beneficial, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re taking medications.

9. How long does it take to lower LDL cholesterol?

The time it takes to lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol depends on various factors, such as the methods used (diet, exercise, medication), your baseline cholesterol levels, and your overall health.

While initial improvements may occur within weeks, maintaining healthy LDL levels often requires a lifelong commitment to healthy habits. Regular blood tests every 3–6 months can help monitor progress.

Final Words

Regardless of the factor that causes high cholesterol levels, it’s important to manage it properly. You should consult your doctor immediately to avoid developing health complications.

To lower your cholesterol level, you should practice a healthy lifestyle, have good eating habits, perform regular exercise, avoid using the substance, and take the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.