How do you lower vldl

The plaque that builds up is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body. It can lead to coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.

There isn't a way to directly measure your VLDL level. Instead, you will most likely get a blood test to measure your triglyceride level. The lab can use your triglyceride level to estimate what your VLDL level is. Your VLDL is about one-fifth of your triglyceride level. However, estimating your VLDL this way does not work if your triglyceride level is very high. Anything higher than that puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. In addition, larger molecules of VLDL carry more fat that is then more likely to become stuck to the walls of the blood vessels.

Therefore, lowering the size and levels of VLDL may protect against this effect [ 49 , 50 ]. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, abdominal obesity, and high blood sugar.

Metabolic syndrome is marked by insulin resistance and often leads to type-2 diabetes. VLDL stimulates the production of aldosterone , a hormone that causes the body to hold on to salt , leading to increased blood pressure [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Depending on your medical history and other test results, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication. Discuss the additional lifestyle changes listed below with your doctor.

None of these strategies should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes! Because of the relationship between VLDL and triglycerides, you can lower your VLDL cholesterol level by taking steps to lower your triglyceride level.

These include making healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight and exercising regularly. It has also been advised to avoid sugary foods and alcohol in particular since these have a strong effect on triglycerides.

Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, for over 30 minutes several times a week can help lower your triglyceride and VLDL-C levels [ 19 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Lose weight if overweight. Lower your alcohol consumption or refrain from drinking altogether. Quit smoking. Discuss the following foods and supplements with your doctor.

Lipases are a group of enzymes that help to break down VLDL. A mutation in the lipoprotein lipase gene has been associated with larger VLDL particles in people with metabolic syndrome. Other mutations in this gene result in low levels of the lipoprotein lipase protein and higher VLDL [ 83 , 84 ].

People with another common mutation in the hepatic lipase gene have increased VLDL levels and a reduced ability to control VLDL levels after exercise [ 85 ]. As a result of mutations in the gene that encodes the protein, different versions exist. A version known as ApoE4 is found to produce more inflammation in the blood vessels after meals than the normal version , ApoE3 [ 86 , 87 ].

Joe Cohen won the genetic lottery of bad genes. As a kid, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, and other issues that were poorly understood in both conventional and alternative medicine. All of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. Blood Tests 0. Atherosclerosis stops the blood from being able to flow freely around the body. Every cell needs a ready supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to survive.

Therefore, high levels of VLDL can contribute to atherosclerosis, which can make a person more susceptible to heart disease or stroke. Measurements above this indicate high VLDL levels, which place the person at risk of heart disease and stroke. Doctors can check VLDL levels as part of a test called a lipid profile.

This blood test looks at the fats and the fat-like substances, or lipids, in the blood. It does not measure VLDL directly. Instead, it looks at the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Most of these triglycerides will be in the VLDL, which carries them to the cells. During this period, they should not eat anything and only drink water. However, doctors may sometimes decide that this is not necessary. Therefore, a person can only find out whether they have high cholesterol by undergoing a lipid profile test. Many people will be able to lower their bad cholesterol by altering everyday habits.

Adopting a heart healthy diet means avoiding foods that contain saturated and trans fats. These foods include:. Learn more about how to adopt a cardiac diet here. Being physically active increases the amount of HDL, or good cholesterol, in the body. The AHA say that people should aim to do at least minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling — each week, where possible.

It also increases the likelihood of a person developing high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Reaching or maintaining a moderate weight also reduces the risk of other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Some people may find that changes to their diet and physical activity levels are not enough to manage their cholesterol levels. In these cases, doctors may recommend medication. The right approach will be different for everyone. Healthcare professionals will work with the individual to determine which medication or combination of medications is best for them.