4 Steps to Take When Dealing with High Cholesterol Levels

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Increased levels of cholesterol in the body should not be ignored. Laboratory tests showing high cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol or commonly known as bad cholesterol, signal the need for adjustments in lifestyle and, in some cases, appropriate medical treatment.

As quoted from Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah (Pondok Indah Hospital) and Healthline, here are the steps that need to be taken when dealing with high cholesterol levels:

1. Improving Eating Habits

One of the main recommended actions after finding out about high cholesterol levels is to improve daily eating habits. Foods high in saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty red meat, fast food, and high-fat dairy products should be reduced.

Instead, it is recommended to consume foods high in fiber, such as vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and whole grains. In addition, low-fat protein sources such as fish are also a healthier choice.

Proper food intake plays a role in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and helps maintain the balance of HDL levels, which is the good cholesterol that protects the heart from disease risks.

2. Regular Exercise to Support Blood Fat Balance

Regular physical activity is an integral part of managing high cholesterol. Light to moderate aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, done for about 30 minutes on 4 to 6 days per week, can help increase HDL levels while lowering LDL and triglyceride levels.

In addition, exercise also contributes to maintaining an ideal body weight, which is an important factor in regulating blood fat levels.

3. Importance of Medical Consultation

After finding out about increased cholesterol levels, it is recommended to immediately consult with medical professionals, especially internal medicine or cardiology specialists. The doctor will evaluate the individual's condition comprehensively, including considering other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking habits, or family history of heart disease.

Based on this evaluation, the doctor can determine whether lifestyle changes alone are sufficient or if additional cholesterol-lowering medications are needed.

The type of medication prescribed will be adjusted to the individual's blood fat levels. There are medications aimed at lowering LDL levels, as well as those focused on reducing triglycerides or increasing HDL. Therefore, therapy decisions cannot be made generally, but must be based on laboratory test results and medical evaluations.

4. Undergo Regular Cholesterol Checks

High cholesterol generally does not show direct symptoms. Symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or stiff neck often appear as a result of complications that have already occurred, rather than due to the cholesterol levels themselves. Therefore, regular cholesterol level checks are important for early detection.

Regular checks are recommended, especially for those aged 40 and above, or for those with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of blood fat disorders. For individuals who already have cholesterol metabolism disorders, the frequency of checks may be more frequent, for example, every two to three months, to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

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