HDL carries cholesterol back to the liver and can prevent buildup on the blood vessel walls. If an individual has certain other risk factors, LDL cholesterol guidelines goals are stricter. Therapeutic lifestyle changes The treatment of high blood cholesterol focuses on reduction of LDL cholesterol to the optimal level, whenever possible. Medicines may be necessary in addition to TLC for some people. Therapeutic lifestyle changes include regular physical activity and weight management.
Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, oatmeal, rice bran, and barley.
TLC guidelines also recommend 2 grams of plant sterols or stanols a day. These are found in enriched food products such as spreads that lower cholesterol. Select fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. It's helpful to select margarines or vegetable oils that list liquid vegetable oil as the first ingredient. They should contain no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon.