Home remedies for high cholesterol and triglycerides

Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats carried in the blood. The balance can be affected by inherited traits, food patterns, alcohol, body weight, diabetes, thyroid problems and some medicines. High levels usually cause no noticeable symptom, so a blood test is needed to understand the pattern.

Over time, excess cholesterol can contribute to fatty deposits in artery walls. This can raise the risk of conditions such as angina, peripheral arterial disease and stroke, but a result alone does not predict an individual outcome.

Base meals around vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, fish or other lean proteins, and use unsaturated fats in place of foods high in saturated fat. Limit sugary drinks and excess alcohol, especially when triglycerides are high. Regular activity, gradual weight management where appropriate, and stopping tobacco support cardiovascular health.

Arrange a cholesterol test and discuss the results with a clinician. Nutrition counselling can turn general advice into meals that fit your culture, health conditions and preferences. Some people also need statin therapy or another treatment because lifestyle changes alone may not provide enough protection.

Book a review for persistently abnormal results, a strong family history of early heart disease, or triglycerides reported as very high. Seek emergency help for pressure or pain in the chest, sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech trouble or severe breathlessness.

Ask which blood fats are raised, whether another condition or medicine contributes, and when to repeat testing. Discuss your overall cardiovascular risk, whether nutrition counselling would help, and the benefits and side effects of statin therapy if it is offered.