If you’re over 50, managing your cholesterol levels is more important than ever to support heart health. Discover effective strategies to take control of your cholesterol and boost your overall well-being.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
One of the most effective ways to lower your cholesterol after 50 is by making dietary changes that support heart health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Focus on incorporating heart-friendly fats, such as those found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, while cutting back on saturated and trans fats commonly found in processed and fried foods.
Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats, beans, and flaxseeds, is particularly beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels by binding to LDL and removing it from the bloodstream. Additionally, fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help lower triglycerides and improve cholesterol profiles. Making these changes can help protect your heart, lower cholesterol, and improve overall well-being as you age.
Stay Active and Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity also plays a critical role in lowering cholesterol and improving heart health, especially for those over 50. Exercise helps increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), which can lower the risk of heart disease. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can make a significant difference.
Resistance training, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, is also beneficial as it builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and further supports cholesterol management. Even if you’re not used to regular exercise, starting small and gradually increasing activity levels can yield great results.
Beyond its impact on cholesterol, regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall cardiovascular health. Staying active is a natural way to keep cholesterol levels in check and enhance longevity after 50.
Consider Prescription Medications: Evkeeza
For individuals struggling with high cholesterol despite lifestyle changes, prescription medications like Evkeeza (evinacumab) may be an option. Evkeeza is a newer drug designed for people with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes extremely high cholesterol levels.
Unlike traditional statins, Evkeeza targets and blocks a protein called ANGPTL3, which plays a role in regulating cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. By inhibiting this protein, Evkeeza helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly, even in patients who don’t respond well to other treatments.
It is typically administered as an intravenous infusion and can be a life-changing treatment for individuals with genetic cholesterol disorders. While Evkeeza is not a first-line treatment for everyone, it’s an important option for those over 50 who need more aggressive cholesterol management, particularly if they have underlying genetic factors contributing to their condition.
Explore New Treatment Options: Nexlizet
Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) is another innovative treatment option for managing cholesterol, especially for those who can’t tolerate statins or need additional cholesterol-lowering medications. Nexlizet works by targeting cholesterol production in the liver and preventing cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Bempedoic acid, one of the drug’s active components, inhibits an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol synthesis, while ezetimibe reduces the absorption of dietary cholesterol. Together, they significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels, offering a dual approach to cholesterol management.
Nexlizet is typically prescribed to those who have tried statins but still require additional cholesterol-lowering treatment or cannot tolerate statins due to side effects. This medication can be a valuable tool for those over 50 who need effective, long-term management of their cholesterol levels and may provide an alternative to traditional treatment methods.
Learn More About Lowering Your Cholesterol
Lowering your cholesterol, especially after 50, is essential for protecting your heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. By adopting a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, and considering medications like Evkeeza or Nexlizet, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that suits your specific needs. Taking proactive steps today can help you maintain your health and improve your overall quality of life.