Diet plan for high cholesterol and high blood pressure

A heart-friendly eating pattern emphasising vegetables, fibre and unsaturated fats can support cholesterol and blood pressure control. Choose beans, whole grains, nuts, fish and unsalted foods more often, and reduce processed foods high in saturated fat or sodium.

Soluble fibre from foods such as oats, beans and fruit can help reduce cholesterol absorption. Replacing butter, fatty meats and some fried foods with unsaturated fats from fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil can improve the balance of fats in the diet. Sodium can encourage fluid retention in some people and may raise blood pressure. Your results also reflect genetics, activity, medicines, kidney health, sleep and body weight.

Base meals on vegetables and pulses, choose whole-grain bread or rice, and include fish or lean protein. Read labels on sauces, pickles, instant foods and packaged snacks because sodium can be hidden. Use herbs, lemon and spices for flavour, and keep portions consistent. Do not stop a statin or blood-pressure medicine because your diet improves; food and medicines often work together. A clinician can tailor advice if you have kidney disease or heart failure.

Arrange a review for persistently high readings or an abnormal cholesterol result so your overall cardiovascular risk and treatment can be assessed. Seek emergency help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal urgent conditions such as angina or stroke.

Ask which cholesterol measures and blood-pressure readings matter for you, whether medication is recommended, and how kidney function or other conditions change sodium and fluid advice. Ask how soon your results should be rechecked.