Today, many people are suffering from high blood cholesterol and it may be caused by a high fat diet, excessive alcohol intake, obesity and certain health conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Lifestyle changes are the first line treatment for high blood cholesterol. These changes include a low saturated fat and high fiber diet, combined with alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, and regular exercise. For individuals who are unable or unwilling to take statins, supplementation of red yeast rice and, omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil supplements may be an alternative.

Red yeast rice helps to lower cholesterol by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) involved in cholesterol production whereas omega-3 fatty acids have triglyceride-lowering properties. A recent trial published in the July 2008 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed that supplementation of red yeast rice and fish oil combined with lifestyle changes reduced LDL (“bad” cholesterol) cholesterol levels by 42.4%, in proportions similar to standard therapy with statin. Do opt for a standardised extract of red yeast rice and a high strength concentrated fish oil supplement that contains 330mg EPA and 220mg DHA for therapeutic effects.

Tips to maintain healthy cholesterol level effectively:
• Trim all visible fat from meat and poultry.
• Increase your fiber intake, especially oat fiber. Opt for whole grain when buying bread and cereals.
• Have regular physical activity, about 30 minutes between 3 and 5 times a week.

Statins, the medications used for lowering elevated blood cholesterol levels were prescribed to you based on the high cholesterol profile. Although side effects have been reported, statin is still widely used by cardiovascular patients as it has been proven to lower levels of the "bad" cholesterol, LDL and thus prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

For your condition, in addition to the statin medication you are taking, coenzyme Q-10 (Co Q-10) supplementation is highly recommended. Clinical use of statins can be made safer and possibly more effective by the addition of coenzyme Q-10. This is because studies have found that even short exposure to statins clearly lowers blood plasma levels of Co Q-10. Co Q-10 is necessary for ATP production in human metabolism and is an important antioxidant in human oxidation defense systems.

Diet and lifestyle also play an important role in maintaining heart health. Maintaining a healthy body weight by shedding excess visceral fats will reduce your chances of an arterial blockage. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. Learn to control stress by adopting new ways to relax such as deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxing techniques, meditation or yoga.

Follow a well-balanced diet low in fats, salt, and cholesterol. Lowering your intake of fat cuts your risk of arterial disease. Quit smoking. This is a key step in managing arterial disease.

A holistic approach that combines lifestyle and dietary changes along with nutritional supplements has been found to be effective in maintaining and reducing blood pressure.

Your mother should increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. The types of dietary fibre that are of greatest value are the water-soluble oat bran, apple pectin and psyllium seeds. It is important to reduce the intake of red meat and dairy products as they are rich in saturated fats which are known to elevate blood pressure. Studies have revealed that diet high in sodium chloride (table salt) indirectly results in hypertension and thus, it is good to cut down on salt consumption.

Include essential fatty acids such as those found in evening primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids) and marine fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) in your diet to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. A supplement containing antioxidant nutrients namely beta-carotene, vitamins C, E and the mineral zinc will also be helpful in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol on arterial walls, consequently reducing the risk of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

Lifestyle wise, avoid caffeine intake as it constricts blood vessels, aggravating a hypertensive condition. Exercise regularly (40 minutes a day, 3 times a week) and manage stress properly. Yoga, meditation or sports are examples of relaxation techniques to keep hypertension under control.