Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
Choose lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans) instead of red and processed meats
Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats (use olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds)
Avoid trans fats (check labels for “partially hydrogenated oils”)
Limit saturated fat intake (butter, cheese, cream, fatty cuts of meat, coconut oil)
Increase soluble fiber intake (oats, barley, beans, lentils, chia, flax, apples, citrus)
Use plant sterols or stanols (fortified foods or supplements) if appropriate
Reduce dietary cholesterol intake (especially from high-fat animal foods)
Maintain a calorie balance to support healthy weight
Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate activity or equivalent)
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Manage stress with regular stress-reduction practices (sleep, mindfulness, relaxation)
Control blood sugar and blood pressure if you have diabetes or hypertension
Review medications with a clinician (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, etc., when indicated)
If triglycerides are high: limit added sugars and refined carbs; reduce alcohol; emphasize omega-3-rich foods (fatty fish)
Get regular lipid testing and follow your personalized treatment plan