Hyperlipidemia Treatment and Rehabilitation

For most people, the first step in treatment is lifestyle modification. Even if you need medication, healthy habits make the drugs work better. Diet is paramount. The “Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes” (TLC) diet is often recommended. This involves reducing saturated fat to less than 7% of your daily calories and reducing dietary cholesterol to less than 200 mg a day. It also means boosting soluble fiber (found in oats, beans, and fruits), which acts like a sponge to soak up cholesterol in the gut before it enters the blood.

Weight loss is another powerful tool. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly lower triglycerides and LDL while boosting HDL. Physical activity complements this procedure by increasing the enzymes that remove LDL from the blood. Quitting smoking is non-negotiable; smoking lowers your good cholesterol and damages your blood vessels, compounding the risk.

• Diet: Eat more plants, less meat. Switch to healthy fats like olive oil.
• Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Weight: Focus on losing belly fat, which is metabolically active and harmful.
• Habits: Quit smoking and limit alcohol to protect your liver and heart.