By taking medication, controlling your food choices, and exercising, Alice sees that you are definitely on the right track to controlling your cholesterol. Just because your total cholesterol level may be within the desirable range, you should still be aware of what your HDL and LDL values are. For example, if your HDL is 20 and your LDL is 180, your total number equals 200, but you are at increased risk for heart disease, because both an HDL level below 35 and an LDL level above 160 put you at higher risk for heart disease. High Alice wonders how long you have been controlling your cholesterol through medication, diet, and exercise.
Individuals have different responses to cholesterol lowering methods.
Someone doing all three cholesterol-lowering methods may see a decline in total cholesterol levels in three months, while it may take another person to see the same results in six months. Consider the amount of time you have been on this regimen. In general, a response to all three types of cholesterol-controlling methods within six months is desirable. Have your physician evaluate your status at least every six months. You can decrease both your LDL and total cholesterol levels by decreasing your intake of saturated fat.