High cholesterol builds up fatty plaque in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Diet and lifestyle can lower it a lot, and medicines help when needed. Here is what actually works.
Oats, beans, nuts, oily fish, fruit and vegetables help, especially when replacing fried and fatty foods. Changes usually show over weeks to months, not days.
It depends on your cholesterol level and your overall risk of heart disease. Some people manage with lifestyle; others benefit greatly from statins. Your doctor decides with you.
No — your body needs some cholesterol. The problem is too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and too little HDL (“good”), which a lipid profile measures.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.