Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cholestrol

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dima Nimri, M.D. [2]

2013 AHA/ACC Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Recommendations for Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Diet

Class I

"1. Consume a dietary pattern that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; includes low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, nontropical vegetable oils, and nuts; and limits intake of sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meats. a. Adapt this dietary pattern to appropriate calorie requirements, personal and cultural food preferences, and nutrition therapy for other medical conditions (including diabetes). b. Achieve this pattern by following plans such as the DASH dietary pattern, the USDA Food Pattern, or the AHA Diet.(Level of Evidence: A)"

"2. Aim for a dietary pattern that achieves 5%–6% of calories from saturated fat.(Level of Evidence: A)"

"3. Reduce percent of calories from saturated fat.(Level of Evidence: A)"

"4. Reduce percent of calories from trans fat.(Level of Evidence: A)"

Physical Activity

Class IIa

"1. In general, advise adults to engage in aerobic physical activity to reduce LDL-C and non–HDL-C: 3–4 sessions per wk, lasting on average 40 min per session, and involving moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. (Level of Evidence: A)"