How Fast Can You Reduce Cholesterol: The problem of high cholesterol is rapidly increasing, and many young people are also falling prey to it. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our blood. When it exceeds normal levels, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Therefore, controlling it is very important. When a person's cholesterol rises, they begin to feel anxious. The first question that comes to mind is how long will it take to bring cholesterol down to normal levels? According to health experts, cholesterol cannot be reduced overnight. Reducing it through medication and lifestyle can take a few weeks to a few months.

According to a report by the British Heart Foundation, there are two ways to reduce cholesterol. The first is by making lifestyle and dietary changes. The second is by controlling blood cholesterol through medication. To control cholesterol without medication, lifestyle modifications, regular exercise, weight control, a balanced diet, avoiding foods high in saturated fat, consuming fiber-rich foods, and quitting smoking are essential. Following a Mediterranean diet can reduce cholesterol by approximately 10% in 8 to 12 weeks. If you are overweight, losing weight can yield significant results within a few months.

Regular exercise also plays an important role in lowering cholesterol. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can reduce bad cholesterol by approximately 20% in 12 months. Incorporating 20-30 minutes of activity daily into your daily routine can also help. Quitting smoking also reduces blood viscosity within 2 to 3 weeks, reducing the impact of bad cholesterol and allowing good cholesterol to function better.

For people with very high cholesterol levels, controlling it through lifestyle and diet alone is difficult. Doctors recommend cholesterol-lowering medications like statins for such patients. Statins target specific enzymes in the liver and begin lowering cholesterol within 3 to 4 weeks. However, they must be taken regularly, as stopping the medication can cause cholesterol to rise again.

If statins don't show sufficient effectiveness, doctors may recommend other medications. A blood test is necessary approximately three months after starting a new medication to determine if the medication and its dosage are appropriate. This can be adjusted according to treatment needs. Overall, lowering cholesterol is a long process. Patience and persistence can help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

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