High cholesterol is a health issue that can lead to problems if left untreated. If you suffer from high cholesterol, you should visit a doctor regularly to have your levels tested. By doing this, you can find out if you need to take medication or make lifestyle changes - these are the only ways to protect yourself from the effects this condition can have. Here are two important things you should understand about high cholesterol.

What is cholesterol and why is it bad?

Cholesterol is a fatty-like substance that your body needs. When the level gets too high, though, it can lead to health problems. This is why doctors test cholesterol levels, and there are several different types of cholesterol doctors test. The bad type is called low density lipoprotein (LDL), and this is the main level your doctor is concerned with.

High levels of LDL can lead to heart disease and other heart-related problems. The reason for this is that this type of cholesterol can easily get trapped inside your arteries. This restricts the flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body, and this is what increases your risks of developing heart issues.

What can you do to reduce your cholesterol?

There are medications you can take that are designed to reduce the LDL levels in your body, but making lifestyle changes is a great way to decrease your cholesterol level without using medication. Here are some of the changes you may need to make in your life to naturally reduce your cholesterol levels so you can lead a healthier life:

• Lose weight – If you are obese or overweight at all, losing some of the extra pounds you are carrying is one of the best things you can do if you want to lower your cholesterol level. Being overweight places you in a higher-risk category for cholesterol issues, so you may want to begin by losing some weight.
• Get active – Walking or completing other types of physical activities can also help you decrease your cholesterol level. To see a positive change in your cholesterol level, you should complete at least two and a half hours of physical exercise each week.
• Change your diet – The foods you eat are probably a huge factor in your high cholesterol. To help with this, you should cut out all foods that contain saturated fats and trans fats. Replace these items with foods high in fiber, such as barley, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

With these changes, you could significantly improve your health and decrease your risks of developing heart problems. If you have not had your cholesterol checked lately, visit a general practitioner today.