Statins are a popular class of drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the body. They work by blocking the enzyme that helps the liver make cholesterol, which reduces the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood.

However, there are cases where statins may not be enough to lower cholesterol levels. If you’re one of those people, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are some suggestions to consider:.

1. Review your diet

Changing your diet is a powerful way to reduce your cholesterol levels. One of the biggest culprits of high cholesterol is eating foods with saturated and trans fats. These types of fats can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.

To lower your cholesterol, limit your intake of foods such as:.

Butter, lard, and other animal fats
Fried foods
Certain types of cheese (e.g., cheddar, American, and provolone)
Processed meats such as sausages, salami, and bacon
Sweets, cakes, and other high-sugar foods
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta

Instead, focus on eating foods that are high in fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Some examples of foods that are high in fiber include:.

Oatmeal and other whole grains
Beans and lentils
Nuts and seeds
Fruits and vegetables

2. Increase your physical activity

Another way to lower your cholesterol levels is by getting more exercise. This can include doing activities such as:.

Brisk walking
Jogging or running
Biking
Swimming
Aerobic classes

It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Exercise can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Consider other medications

If statins aren’t enough to lower your cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend adding another medication to your treatment plan. Some options include:.

Ezetimibe: This medication works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines. It’s often used in combination with a statin.
PCSK9 inhibitors: These medications help reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood. They’re given as injections and are typically reserved for people with very high cholesterol levels or those who can’t tolerate statins.
Bile acid sequestrants: These medications work by binding to bile acids in the intestines, which prevents them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
Nicotinic acid: This medication can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels. It’s often used in combination with other medications.

4. Lose weight if necessary

If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help improve your cholesterol levels. Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease and can contribute to high cholesterol levels.

To lose weight, focus on making healthier food choices, increasing your physical activity, and reducing your portion sizes.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking can contribute to high cholesterol levels and can increase your risk of heart disease. If you’re a smoker, quitting can help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

There are many resources available to help you quit, including nicotine replacement therapy and support groups.

6. Talk to your doctor about genetic testing

In some cases, high cholesterol levels may be caused by an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This condition affects about 1 in 250 people and can cause very high levels of LDL cholesterol.

If you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, or if your cholesterol levels are very high despite lifestyle changes and medications, talk to your doctor about genetic testing for FH. If you have FH, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

7. Consider natural remedies

There are some natural remedies that may help lower cholesterol levels. Some options include:.

Plant sterols and stanols: These substances are found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. They can help reduce cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
Garlic: Some studies have shown that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels. It’s believed that the active ingredient in garlic, allicin, may be responsible for this effect.
Fiber supplements: In addition to getting fiber from foods, you can also take fiber supplements such as psyllium and glucomannan. These supplements can help reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any natural remedies, as some may interact with medications or have other potential side effects.

Conclusion

If statins aren’t enough to lower your cholesterol levels, there are other options to consider.

By modifying your diet, increasing your physical activity, and considering other medications, you can help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you.