Mastering cholesterol: Impact, control, and timeline for results

Written in association with: Dr John Bolodeoku
Published:
Edited by: Kate Forristal

Cholesterol, a vital fat in the body, is divided into good (HDL) and bad (LDL) types. Elevated levels can impede blood flow in arteries, leading to health risks. In his latest online article, Dr John Bolodeoku explores the impact of high cholesterol, control methods like diet and medication, and the timeline for observing changes. Understanding these aspects is key to cardiovascular health.

What exactly is cholesterol?

Cholesterol essentially comprises body fats; it's a type of steroid that falls under the category of fats in the body. These fats can be classified into two main types: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Remembering them can be simplified by associating HDL cholesterol with 'happy' (H for happy) and LDL cholesterol with 'lethal' (L for lethal).

 

What would happen if I have high cholesterol?

To understand the impact of cholesterol on our health, imagine our arteries as pipes. When these pipes become clogged with cholesterol, they narrow, reducing blood flow. If this occurs in the brain, it can lead to a stroke; in the heart, a heart attack; and in the legs, peripheral vascular disease. These outcomes illustrate the harmful effects of elevated cholesterol levels blocking the arteries.

 

What are the best ways to control cholesterol?

The primary method we're familiar with for reducing cholesterol involves reducing fat intake in our diet. This entails limiting consumption of cholesterol-rich foods like dairy products—such as eggs, whole milk, and cheese. Similarly, cutting back on red meat is advisable due to its high cholesterol content. By making these dietary adjustments, you can lower your cholesterol intake and modify your lifestyle accordingly. Another approach involves medical intervention, which may include the use of medications and other treatments to reduce cholesterol levels.

 

What foods should I appoint to lower my cholesterol?

We previously discussed how many common foods, including dairy products, red meat, cheese, eggs, cream, and full-fat milk, are high in cholesterol. Rather than completely avoiding these items, I recommend reducing their consumption. Additionally, I suggest moderating the use of fatty foods, such as frying in oils or cooking with rich oils, to help lower cholesterol intake.

 

How long does it take to lower cholesterol?

Interestingly, the timeline for observing the effects of cholesterol reduction varies depending on the method used. If you opt for treatments or medications, such as drugs, you may notice a decrease in cholesterol levels within approximately six to eight weeks of starting the regimen. Similarly, if you're modifying your diet to lower cholesterol, you can expect to see results within the same timeframe—around six to eight weeks after making dietary adjustments. In essence, I recommend giving yourself a three-month window from the initiation of cholesterol-lowering measures, whether through medication or dietary changes. After this period, it's advisable to check your cholesterol levels to assess your progress.

 

Dr John Bolodeoku is an esteemed chemical pathologist and metabolic physician. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Bolodeoku on his Top Doctors profile.

By Dr John Bolodeoku
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism

Dr John Bolodeoku is a leading consultant chemical pathologist based in Basingstoke and London. With more than 25 years of experience in the medical field, Dr Bolodeoku is highly-experienced in chemical pathology. His areas of expertise include the management of cholesterol and diabetes, as well as pre-diabetes, thyroid disease and metabolic syndrome. 
 
Dr Bolodeoku received his MBBS from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, before going on to receive a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford in 1996. He began his postgraduate medical career at St Helier Hospital, Carshalton and St Georges Hospital Medical School, London. He has worked in numerous hospitals across the UK since qualifying, and completed his specialist training in chemical pathology (UK-CCST) in 1998. He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.
 
Mr Bolodeoku is currently a consultant chemical pathologist at the Candover Clinic at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, and at Sterling Healthcare Group, New Malden Diagnostic Centre.  

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Bolodeoku is a leading voice in the pharmaceutical and medical consulting industry. He has served as chief executive officer for The EGCC, a leading global oncology-consulting firm. He has also served as chief medical officer for numerous pharmaceutical companies, including Innoture, Zeab Therapeutic Limited and A1 Labs.
 
Mr Bolodeoku is also a respected medical educator. He has held tutorials and lectures at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in esteemed institutions such as the University of London and King’s College London. He has also been involved in the examination of final-year MBBS students at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School. Mr Bolodeoku has published numerous medical articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and is a co-author of the textbook Pathology (Pathology Integrated). 

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