Share:

As your elderly loved one continues to age, their senior care plan will evolve to meet their needs. If your loved one is prone to high cholesterol, for example, then you'll likely need to schedule frequent doctor visits to ensure their heart is healthy. The guide below discusses the causes of high cholesterol and how you can help your loved one lower it.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Eating too much red meat and full-fat dairy increases the risk of developing high cholesterol, as these foods contain a lot of the compound. Many baked goods and other foods with trans and saturated fats have the same effect. 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it accumulates and causes clogs. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) does the opposite. Diabetes and smoking usually result in high LDLs and too few HDLs. They also create excess triglycerides, a fat that your body stores to distribute energy when you're not eating. All these issues contribute to high cholesterol. 

Additionally, high cholesterol is closely linked to high blood pressure. As cholesterol levels rise and arteries become clogged, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout your circulatory system. The excess pressure further damages the arteries and makes them more susceptible to cholesterol. 

How Can You Help Your Loved One Lower It?

senior care

A crucial aspect of senior care is encouraging your loved one to live a healthy lifestyle. Help them cook and eat meals low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy, and lean meats are all excellent choices. 

As obesity is linked to diabetes, inspire your loved one to keep their weight down as well. Exercise regularly together, even if it's just walking for 30 minutes five days a week. You could also take up physically active hobbies together, like gardening, swimming, hiking, or cycling. 

What Are Some Possible Medications? 

Your loved one's primary care physician can help with senior care in this regard as well. Talk to them about medications to lower cholesterol, including pills. Statins may help their body stop creating cholesterol and use existing cholesterol more productively. Bile acid sequestrants focus on lowering LDL levels. Fibrates and nicotinic acid can increase HDL levels while decreasing triglycerides and LDLs. 

 
For compassionate senior care that adequately addresses your elderly loved one's cholesterol, go to HDR Healthcare Network in the Bronx, NY. Proudly serving their community since 2013, their passion for family medicine assures that your loved one will receive personalized attention and treatment plans. Their medical center will also assist if your loved one struggles with heart disease. Call (929) 256-5005 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.

tracking