Cholesterol: What to Know and What to Do

Worried about cholesterol? You’re not alone. Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs, but too much of the wrong kind raises heart risk. This page gives clear numbers, simple habits that work, and what to ask your doctor—no fluff.

What the numbers mean

When you get a lipid panel, focus on four values: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Aim for total under 200 mg/dL. LDL ("bad" cholesterol) should be under 100 mg/dL for most people and under 70 mg/dL if you have heart disease. HDL ("good") is better when higher—over 60 mg/dL is protective. Triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL. If your numbers are way off, especially at a young age, ask about familial hypercholesterolemia.

Practical steps to lower cholesterol

Small changes add up. Try these habits and watch results in a few months:

- Swap saturated fats for unsaturated: cut back on fatty red meat and butter; use olive oil, avocado, and nuts instead.

- Eat fiber-rich foods: oats, beans, lentils, and vegetables help lower LDL. A bowl of oats or a bean salad a few times a week helps.

- Choose fatty fish twice a week: salmon, mackerel, or sardines provide omega-3s that lower triglycerides.

- Move more: aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Even brisk walking raises HDL and helps weight.

- Lose excess weight: dropping 5–10% of body weight often reduces LDL and triglycerides.

- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: stopping smoking raises HDL; keep alcohol moderate—too much raises triglycerides.

If diet and activity aren’t enough, medications like statins are the next step. Simvastatin (Zocor) is common; statins cut heart attacks and strokes. They can cause muscle aches or affect liver tests in some people, so your provider will check labs after starting treatment. Never stop meds suddenly—talk to your doctor first.

Want to manage costs or order meds online? Be cautious. Use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription, show clear contact details, and have good independent reviews. Our guide "How to Buy Zocor Online Safely" walks through safe steps and red flags to avoid scams.

How often should you test? If you’re healthy, adults can test every 4–6 years. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of early heart disease, or you’re on treatment, expect checks more often—usually every 6–12 months until numbers are stable.

Questions to ask your doctor: What are my target numbers? Should I try meds now or after lifestyle changes? How often will you check my bloodwork? If you get clear answers, you’ll leave with a plan that actually fits your life.

Want more detail? Check our in-depth guides on statin options and safe online pharmacies on KwikMed. Pick one change today—swap butter for olive oil or add a weekly salmon dinner—and you’ll be surprised how quickly things improve.