Mastering cholesterol: Impact, control, and timeline for results

Cholesterol, a vital fat in the body, is divided into good (HDL) and bad (LDL) types. Elevated levels can impede blood flow in arteries, leading to health risks. In his latest online article, Dr John Bolodeoku explores the impact of high cholesterol, control methods like diet and medication, and the timeline for observing changes. Understanding these aspects is key to cardiovascular health.

What exactly is cholesterol?

Cholesterol essentially comprises body fats; it's a type of steroid that falls under the category of fats in the body. These fats can be classified into two main types: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Remembering them can be simplified by associating HDL cholesterol with 'happy' (H for happy) and LDL cholesterol with 'lethal' (L for lethal).

What would happen if I have high cholesterol?

To understand the impact of cholesterol on our health, imagine our arteries as pipes. When these pipes become clogged with cholesterol, they narrow, reducing blood flow. If this occurs in the brain, it can lead to a stroke; in the heart, a heart attack; and in the legs, peripheral vascular disease. These outcomes illustrate the harmful effects of elevated cholesterol levels blocking the arteries.

What are the best ways to control cholesterol?

The primary method we're familiar with for reducing cholesterol involves reducing fat intake in our diet. This entails limiting consumption of cholesterol-rich foods like dairy products—such as eggs, whole milk, and cheese. Similarly, cutting back on red meat is advisable due to its high cholesterol content. By making these dietary adjustments, you can lower your cholesterol intake and modify your lifestyle accordingly. Another approach involves medical intervention, which may include the use of medications and other treatments to reduce cholesterol levels.

What foods should I appoint to lower my cholesterol?

We previously discussed how many common foods, including dairy products, red meat, cheese, eggs, cream, and full-fat milk, are high in cholesterol. Rather than completely avoiding these items, I recommend reducing their consumption. Additionally, I suggest moderating the use of fatty foods, such as frying in oils or cooking with rich oils, to help lower cholesterol intake.

How long does it take to lower cholesterol?

Interestingly, the timeline for observing the effects of cholesterol reduction varies depending on the method used. If you opt for treatments or medications, such as drugs, you may notice a decrease in cholesterol levels within approximately six to eight weeks of starting the regimen. Similarly, if you're modifying your diet to lower cholesterol, you can expect to see results within the same timeframe—around six to eight weeks after making dietary adjustments. In essence, I recommend giving yourself a three-month window from the initiation of cholesterol-lowering measures, whether through medication or dietary changes. After this period, it's advisable to check your cholesterol levels to assess your progress.

Dr John Bolodeoku is an esteemed chemical pathologist and metabolic physician. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Bolodeoku on his Top Doctors profile.