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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Chances Of Reversing Ldl?

I just found out my LDL is 271. However, my HDL is very good. The doctor said my LDL should be under 100. He is putting me on Lipitor. However, I'm concerned with this high number means plaque is already in my arteries and if yes, is there a chance to reverse it with the medication, diet and exercise?

Mon, 13 Oct 2014
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Yes of course, you can bring down your LDL through medication and dietary changes alongwith lifestyle modification. Do not take stress. Make changes in your eating habits. Include foods like fruits with high fibre especially soluble fibre present in pectin containing fruits like apples, oranges, guava, strawberries etc. Have other fruits also like pineapple, plums, peaches, pears but avoid fruit juices as they lack in fibre. Include plenty of raw vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, raw onions (good for lowering cholesterol), radish, carrots etc.

Among cereals, Oats have a high content of soluble fibre which helps in lowering cholesterol, so you can include oats and oat bran which is even better as breakfast cereal. You can prepare it as porridge and have it as a part of regular diet.

Reduce your total intake of fat through cooking oil/ghee/butter/margarine etc.
Avoid eating out frequently and choose healthy low fat dishes when eating out.
Cut down on fried and fatty foods, junk foods like pizza, burger and french fries.
Use healthier cooking methods like boiling, pressure cooking, steaming, stewing, poaching and stir-frying instead of deep frying.
Avoid dishes with rich gravies and oily curries.

Increase your activity by minimising TV/Computer use and brisk walk for 30-45 minutes atleast 5 times a week.

By adopting healthier eating habits and lifestyle you will not only lower your LDL reducing your risk for getting heart disease but ward off other diseases as well like diabetes mellitus, cancers and obesity related issues.
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What Are The Chances Of Reversing Ldl?

Yes of course, you can bring down your LDL through medication and dietary changes alongwith lifestyle modification. Do not take stress. Make changes in your eating habits. Include foods like fruits with high fibre especially soluble fibre present in pectin containing fruits like apples, oranges, guava, strawberries etc. Have other fruits also like pineapple, plums, peaches, pears but avoid fruit juices as they lack in fibre. Include plenty of raw vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, raw onions (good for lowering cholesterol), radish, carrots etc. Among cereals, Oats have a high content of soluble fibre which helps in lowering cholesterol, so you can include oats and oat bran which is even better as breakfast cereal. You can prepare it as porridge and have it as a part of regular diet. Reduce your total intake of fat through cooking oil/ghee/butter/margarine etc. Avoid eating out frequently and choose healthy low fat dishes when eating out. Cut down on fried and fatty foods, junk foods like pizza, burger and french fries. Use healthier cooking methods like boiling, pressure cooking, steaming, stewing, poaching and stir-frying instead of deep frying. Avoid dishes with rich gravies and oily curries. Increase your activity by minimising TV/Computer use and brisk walk for 30-45 minutes atleast 5 times a week. By adopting healthier eating habits and lifestyle you will not only lower your LDL reducing your risk for getting heart disease but ward off other diseases as well like diabetes mellitus, cancers and obesity related issues.