Several clinical trials have cholesterol management programs put up basically for patients with cholesterol level problems. Likewise, in May 2001, the National Institutes of Health has issued procedures for the detection, evaluation, and management of high blood cholesterol in adults. This was done to decrease the mortality rate associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), America’s leading cause of death.
Cholesterol management is deliberately intended to assist patients in managing their own cholesterol treatment plans. The first step in any cholesterol management program though is for the patient to understand his risk. The risk assessment will help one be able to adapt to the program more sincerely.
Another thing a patient should be aware of in cholesterol management is where to get his cholesterol tested. Your doctor’s clinic is a good place to have the test. This test involves taking a blood sample. Your doctor will be most reliable in terms of interpreting the test results. Other places to consider are health care centers, screenings held in the malls or community, and even right at your home using a home testing device.
Also, essential in your cholesterol management program is for you to understand what your numbers mean. While some patient’s numbers scare them, these must be taken as the foundation for your reasons to undergo lifestyle changes. Make sure you know which numbers make you critical, safe, and basically on the borderline. These should not be explained to you to scare you but to motivate you to adhere to a cholesterol management program.
Cholesterol management also takes into account using diet as your best defense. A lifestyle change that includes a change in your eating habits plus constant physical activity may just spare you from taking those medications. These medications may be available but are definitely not a substitute for a healthy diet and some exercise. A lot of diet plans are available for different needs. Check with your doctor what diet plans are best for you.
Regular physical activity like exercise at least 30 minutes daily is strongly recommended raising ones (HDL) good cholesterol and preventing high blood pressure. The more exercise you do, the better it is for your heart and blood pressure.
There are several programs being implemented in cholesterol management, but they all have one main goal. It is to help patients monitor their cholesterol and bring down the numbers to a healthy level.
