Is cholesterol the real problem?

The bottom line High blood cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease. However, dietary cholesterol has little to no effect on blood cholesterol levels in most people. More importantly, there is no significant link between the cholesterol you eat and your risk of heart disease.

Is high cholesterol really the cause of heart disease?

How Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease? When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries, causing a process called atherosclerosis, a form of heart disease.

How can I lower my cholesterol without medication?

A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health:

1. Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol.
2. Eliminate trans fats.
3. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Increase soluble fiber.
5. Add whey protein.

Does an endocrinologist deal with high cholesterol?

If that’s the case, an endocrinologist can prescribe medications that can help with the hormone issues and lower cholesterol levels.

Can you live a long life with high cholesterol?

Untreated or undertreated high cholesterol is associated with a lower life span due to the risk of heart attack and stroke, but it’s still possible to live a long life with high cholesterol, provided you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle and take medication if needed.

Do cardiologists treat high cholesterol?

If you notice a pattern of heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, take action and get checked by a cardiologist.

What does a cardiologist do for high cholesterol?

Your physician may prescribe medications to treat cholesterol that also help to lower your risk of heart attack. Talk to your cardiologist about heart-healthy foods and monitoring your cholesterol to reduce chances of heart disease.

Can you reverse high cholesterol damage?

Completely reversing it isn’t possible yet. But taking a statin can reduce the risk of complications from atherosclerosis. It fights inflammation, which stabilizes the plaque. For this reason, statins are often key to treating atherosclerosis.