Having an increase level of cholesterol increases your risk of cardiovascular disease(heart attack, stroke) but is not that simple.
There are several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in primary care we focus in those factors that we can modify, like smoking, diet, exercise, blood pressure and cholesterol level.
Once we have a fasting cholesterol level we will discuss what is the best approach for you.
The basis of a healthy life style are:
Do not smoke
Be physically active
Have a varied diet with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and fiber
Increase Monounsaturated fat rather than trans fatty acids or saturated fats
Increase Omega 3 fatty acids
If it turns out that you will need medication to control your cholesterol, most likely a STATIN would be use.
Statins are a HMGCoA reductase inhibitors that decrease the production of cholesterol by the liver .
This medications have been in the market for over 20 years. They are very effective at lowering bad cholesterol(LDL) and decrease cardiovascular risk.
Most common side effects are muscle pain.If it happens you will have to discuss with the doctor therapeutic alternatives .
Diet changes: increase monounsaturated fat like nuts, avocado, olive oil, sesame oil .
Increase fiber with this fruits: apple, grapes, citrus, strawberries.
Incorporate more fatty fish like salmon, tuna.