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Why is having healthy blood lipid levels so important for me?

High blood lipids can damage your blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular disease. Blood lipid measurements include:

  • Total blood cholesterol – the total amount of cholesterol in your blood

  • LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)

  • Triglyceride levels

High HDL (High-density lipoprotein) levels are beneficial and can be increased with exercise

To lower your blood cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe a statin. Statins inhibit an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that reduces LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood.

Your doctor will be able to discuss with you the benefits of statins and other treatments to lower your blood lipids.

REFERENCE

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2020.

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