Question and Answer

Dr. Kateryna Baoukova, a cardiologist, confirms that following a healthy diet, avoiding fatty and smoked foods, and exercising regularly help lower bad cholesterol. She explained that cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for cell function, and it also plays a role in the production of vitamin D. It travels in the blood via two types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), known as good cholesterol. When LDL cholesterol levels rise, it deposits on the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

She stated, “The first step is to review the diet by reducing the consumption of full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, sausages, organ meats, and egg yolks, and replacing them with lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Physical activity is also a key element; it is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, along with two sessions per week of high-intensity exercises.”

She added that these measures, combined, significantly contribute to reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and its complications. She emphasized that accurately assessing risk and selecting or adjusting appropriate treatment require consultation with a specialist.

She noted that elevated bad cholesterol levels rarely occur suddenly; rather, they are usually the result of a combination of factors, including lack of physical activity, a diet rich in fats, smoking, certain medications, and several medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, which leads to reduced hormone production and a slowed metabolism, as well as kidney diseases and diabetes. Genetic factors may also play a role in raising cholesterol levels.

Source: Novosti