Eat a heart-healthy diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
Choose lean proteins (fish, skinless poultry, beans) more often than red and processed meats
Replace saturated fats (butter, cheese, fatty meats, coconut oil) with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds)
Limit trans fats; avoid partially hydrogenated oils
Choose high-fiber foods, especially soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, citrus)
Reduce refined grains and added sugars (white bread, pastries, sugary drinks)
Use low-fat or reduced-fat dairy if you consume dairy
Include omega-3-rich fish (salmon, sardines, trout) at least 2 times per week
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity plus strength training)
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Manage blood sugar and diabetes if present
Keep blood pressure under control
Consider stress management and adequate sleep
Review medications with a clinician if cholesterol remains high (e.g., statins or other lipid-lowering therapy)
Get regular lipid testing and follow a personalized plan with a healthcare professional