Make some healthy lifestyle changes
Changing your lifestyle can help you control your cholesterol and improve your heart health. Here are some things you can do:
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. You should exercise in intervals of 10 minutes or more to get optimal heart benefits.
- Eat a healthy diet – choose more whole grains, lean meats, high-fibre foods, fruits, and vegetables, and cut back on saturated and trans fats (check the ingredient list) and sweets.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking – ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to help you quit.
- Limit alcoholic drinks to 2 a day for women (maximum 10 drinks per week) or 3 a day for men (maximum 15 drinks per week).
Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your lifestyle changes.
Use medications as directed
Many people will need one or more medications to reach their cholesterol targets. Medications should be used in combination with healthy lifestyle changes. Keep taking your medication exactly as your doctor recommends. Even though you cannot feel it working, your treatment is helping you reach your targets.
Read "Staying motivated to reach your targets" in this feature for more help.
Keep track of your cholesterol levels
Along with medications and healthy lifestyle changes, your doctor will recommend regular cholesterol tests to see whether you are meeting your targets. Use the Cholesterol Diary to keep track of your cholesterol test results. This will help you stay on track to meet your targets.
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