Living with Hypercholesterolaemia

Excess body fat around the abdomen (belly) is associated with several diseases such as hypercholesterolaemia and high triglyceride levels. Weight loss, achieved in a safe and sustained manner, is linked to an improvement in these conditions.

Tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of chronic diseases (cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer) and decreases life expectancy. Stopping smoking reduces cardiovascular risk via multiple mechanisms, one of them by increasing “good” or HDL cholesterol levels.

Alcohol. A high level of alcohol consumption is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases as well as other conditions. It is also associated with higher triglyceride levels.

Diet. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular dietary approaches to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is characterised by being well-balanced, containing high-quality fats (mainly from olive oil, nuts and fish), a lot of fruits, vegetables and pulses (a source of fibre), and a low amount of refined sugars and saturated fats.

Exercise. Individualised physical activity provides multiple health benefits; it:

• Improves cardiorespiratory fitness.
• Helps control weight, decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides and increases the proportion of “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
• Improves joint flexibility and mobility.
• Increases muscle strength.
• Improves mental wellbeing. Reduces anxiety and stress.

Sleep. Getting enough sleep helps increase everyone’s quality of life. It is important to get enough sleep (at least 7–8 h/day) and rest in order to cope with everyday activities. However, sleep in itself is not considered to have a significant influence on cholesterol levels.

Sexuality. An increase in cholesterol and other risk factors prompts the onset of atherosclerosis and can reduce blood flow to the genital organs. This can result in erection problems. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes an early sign of arteriosclerosis.

Travel. People tend to eat differently when travelling. Remember that there are always different options available – healthy and less healthy meals or foods. Before travelling, check you have enough medication to cover the duration of the trip, pack it in your hand luggage rather than in the hold to avoid losing it.

Emotional support. It is essential that the treatment team guides and offers support to the patient throughout the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol problems, when implementing healthy habits and ensuring treatment adherence. This approach compels the patient to participate actively in the management of their disease. It is advisable to transfer this information to the family and people immediately around the patient in order to promote good health, in general, and control over their condition.