What is cholesterol?
- A waxy, fat-like substance in the blood
- Made by the liver and comes from the food we eat
- 3 types: HDL (‘good’ cholesterol), LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) and triglycerides (fat in the blood)
What causes high cholesterol?
- High cholesterol levels are caused by a combination of factors including, hereditary (genetics), diet (rich in saturated fat, trans fat), overweight, physical inactivity.
Why does high cholesterol matter?
- Cholesterol can build up in our blood vessels and narrow them, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke
How do I check my cholesterol
- Cholesterol levels can be checked through a simple blood test.
- This does NOT require fasting.
- If you are a Singapore/PR – checking for cholesterol can be free or highly subsided under the SFL (Screen for life) scheme.
I have been diagnosed with high cholesterol! How do I lower cholesterol through lifestyle measures?
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Aim for a BMI between 18.5 to 23
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Change in diet
- Reduce saturated fat: butter, lard, fat/skin on meat, full cream dairy products, palm oil, non-dairy cream, coconut oil/milk
- Reduce trans fat: Fried food, baked goods, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil
- Reduce food high in cholesterol: organ meat, egg yolk, animal fat, squid, prawn, crab
- Increase fiber in food
- Limit alcohol
Medications for High Cholesterol
- If indicated, our doctor will advise you to start on a medication to control your cholesterol level. The most common one is called a statin.
- This will need to be taken daily, and repeat blood tests will be needed after a period of time to determine the effects of the medication on your cholesterol levels.
- This medication is usually quite well tolerated, however, side effects are more common in the elderly, and include muscle cramps, weakness or even liver dysfunction.