Foreword: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a common blood lipid marker, also known as "bad cholesterol", because it can form deposits on the walls of blood vessels, leading to serious health problems such as arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, controlling LDL cholesterol levels is an important measure to prevent and ** these diseases.
This article will share the personal experience of a patient whose LDL cholesterol went from 49 down to 14. How is this done?What experience and advice can he give us?
1. Normal value and harm of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a lipoprotein synthesized by the liver, and its main function is to transport cholesterol from the liver to various tissues and organs of the body for their use or storage. However, when the level of LDL cholesterol is too high, it will be deposited on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques, narrowing or blocking blood vessels, affecting blood flow, causing serious consequences such as increased blood pressure, myocardial ischemia, and cerebral infarction.
According to the American Heart Association's guidelines, the normal value of LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 milligrams of deciliters (mg dl), or 26 millimolar liters (mmol l).
If the LDL cholesterol level is between 100 and 129 mg dl (26-3.4 mmol l), which is in the normal high range, and it is necessary to pay attention to the improvement of diet and lifestyle Xi. If the LDL cholesterol level is between 130 and 159 mg dl (34-4.1 mmol l), which falls into the borderline-high range and requires aggressive interventions such as medications**.
If the LDL cholesterol level is between 160 and 189 mg dl (41-4.9 mmol l), which is in the high range and requires urgent regimens such as statins. If the LDL cholesterol level is higher than 190 mg dl (49 mmol), which is in the extremely high range and requires the most vigorous measures, such as combination medication or surgery.
The process and method of lowering LDL cholesterol The patient is a 40-year-old man who usually has high work pressure, irregular diet, often eats greasy, high-calorie food, likes to drink, does not like to exercise, is overweight, and has a family history of high blood pressure. During a physical exam, he found that his LDL cholesterol was as high as 49 mmol, which is already at an extremely high level, was told by the doctor that if it was not reduced in time, his risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases would be greatly increased, and it could even be life-threatening. The patient was frightened and decided to change his lifestyle and lower the level of LDL cholesterol. He took the following approach:
Drugs**. Under the guidance of the doctor, the patient starts taking statins such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, etc., which can inhibit the enzymes that make cholesterol in the liver, thereby reducing the level of LDL cholesterol. At the same time, he also took some auxiliary drugs, such as nicorandil and fibrates, which can reduce blood pressure, stabilize heart rhythm, improve blood supply to the myocardium, etc., thereby reducing the burden on the heart. Patients take the drug on time and in accordance with the amount every day, regularly recheck the blood lipid level, and observe the effect of the drug and ***
Dietary regulation restricts the intake of saturated and trans fats. These fats are mainly found in animal foods, such as fatty meats, butter, cheese, egg yolks, etc., and some plant foods, such as palm oil, coconut oil, baked goods, fried foods, etc. These fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels, so try to eat as little or nothing as possible.
Increase your intake of unsaturated fats. These fats are mainly found in plant foods, such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, etc., and some animal foods, such as deep-sea fish, fish oil, etc.
Increase your intake of soluble fiber. These fibers are mainly found in foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, oats, barley, etc. These fibers can bind to bile acids, thereby reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, while promoting intestinal motility, thereby increasing cholesterol excretion and increasing satiety, thereby reducing food intake.
Exercise: Choose the right sports program. Aerobic exercise refers to the exercise that can be carried out continuously and rhythmically, and can improve cardiopulmonary function and aerobic capacity, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, skipping rope, etc. These exercises can improve blood circulation, increase oxygen**, improve metabolism, burn excess fat, and thus lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Master the reasonable exercise intensity. Exercise intensity refers to the level of heart rate during exercise, which is generally expressed as a percentage of your maximum heart rate. Maximum heart rate is the highest rate that the heart can beat during exercise, and is generally estimated by subtracting age from 220. The intensity of exercise will affect the effectiveness and safety of exercise. In general, the intensity of exercise should be between 50%-80%, which is 50%-80% of your maximum heart rate.
Maintain an appropriate amount of exercise time. Exercise time refers to the duration of each exercise, which is generally calculated in minutes. The length of exercise can affect the effectiveness and tolerance of exercise.
3. The patient's effect and feelingsAfter insisting on medication**, diet regulation and exercise for half a year, the patient underwent a blood lipid test again and found that his LDL cholesterol increased from 49 mmol l dropped to 14 mmol l, which has reached the normal level, and the doctors and family are happy and proud of him.
The patient himself felt a noticeable change, his weight dropped from 90 kg to 75 kg, and his blood pressure dropped from 160,100 mm Hg to 120,80 mm Hg. He feels that his body is lighter, more comfortable, and more energetic, his mood is more cheerful, peaceful, and confident, and his life is more regular, quality, and meaningful.
The patient said that the reduction of his LDL cholesterol was a turning point in his life and a healthy rebirth. He is grateful for the help and support of his doctors, family, and friends, and he is also proud and satisfied with his persistence and efforts. He said that he will not relax his vigilance and requirements because of the reduction of LDL cholesterol, and he will continue to take medicine, diet, and exercise to maintain a normal level of LDL cholesterol, prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and pursue a healthy and happy life.
Conclusion: This article shares the personal experience of a patient whose LDL cholesterol increased from 49 down to 14. He adopted the methods of medication**, diet regulation and exercise, and achieved the ideal effect through half a year of persistence and hard work, improved his physical condition and improved his quality of life.
We should pay attention to our blood lipid levels, check and exercise reasonably, maintain normal levels of LDL cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and pursue a healthy and happy life.