Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying too much weight, especially “visceral” fat around your belly, can raise LDL and lower HDL. In general, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men could be a sign of trouble. But only your doctor can say if that rule works in your case. You may notice an “apple shape” because of the way you get larger in your middle more than in other areas. But lose just 10% of your weight, and you could really help your numbers, possibly bringing them back to healthy levels. Talk to your doctor about the best diet and exercise program to help you lose weight.
Limit saturated fat: This comes from beef, pork, lamb, and full-fat dairy like butter, cream, milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as tropical oils like palm and coconut. All can raise your LDL or “bad” cholesterol. It can help to trim visible fat from meats, and to look for skim milk and low-fat yogurt. You shouldn’t get more than 6% of your calories from saturated fat if your LDL is high. Avoid trans fats altogether, too.
Treat underlying conditions: It’s important to understand and treat conditions linked to a risky cholesterol or lipid profile, like diabetes or obesity. Treat the condition itself, and you may help improve your cholesterol numbers as well. Your doctor can help screen and treat these conditions. Make sure you tell your doctor about all the medications you take and follow your treatment plan. Don’t skip doses or change your treatment plan unless you talk to your doctor first.