Senior Care News

Treatment Options for Seniors with High Cholesterol

Elderly Care in West Palm Beach FL: Seniors with high cholesterol are at risk for a number of life-threatening health problems, such as stroke or a heart attack.

Elderly Care in West Palm Beach FL

Seniors with high cholesterol are at risk for a number of life-threatening health problems, such as stroke or a heart attack. However, making healthy lifestyle choices combined with the right medication will significantly reduce your loved one’s risk of health complications.

 

Are you concerned that your parent will be unable to make the right choices for their health, an elderly care provider can be hired. This professional caregiver can provide the encouragement and motivation the elder needs to live a healthy and long life.

 

Treatment Options

  • Eat well. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is the first step needed to lower high cholesterol. Also, if the elder is eating foods that are high in saturated fats, they are also at risk for high cholesterol. If possible, they should eat a well-balanced diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean protein.
  • Move it. Exercise is an excellent way to lower their bad cholesterol, while also helping your loved one maintain a healthy weight and prevent a wide range of chronic conditions from developing. Aerobic exercise has especially been shown to be an effective way to lower bad cholesterol, which includes swimming, walking, or dancing.
  • Medications. If a healthy diet and exercise is not helping the senior lower their cholesterol, their doctor may prescribe medication to help. Statins are the most effective medication available that are used to lower high cholesterol. They work by lowering the body’s production of cholesterol in order to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrates, and nicotinic acid are a few other medications that may be prescribed.
  • Nutritional supplements. There are many nutritional supplements available that will help naturally reduce the elder’s cholesterol. One supplement is fish oil because oily fish, like mackerel, can actually help lower triglyceride levels in order to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease. Before taking any nutritional supplement, your loved one should talk to their doctor to make sure it will not interfere with their medication.

 

It is important that your elderly loved one does not expect changes to happen overnight. It can take between 6 and 12 months before any real improvements are noticed. Yet, by staying consistent and continuing to make healthy lifestyle choices, the elder will be able to keep their cholesterol at a healthy level. Encourage your loved one to talk to their doctor for more tips on lowering their cholesterol and adding years to their life.

 

If you or a family member are in need of elderly care in West Palm Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

 

Source:   https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-treatment-options-beyond-the-basics

Stephen Sternbach

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content