When taking statins to reduce cholesterol it takes the statins around 6 weeks for your cholesterol levels to be reduced and to stabilize.
Most doctors will want to recheck your cholesterol levels after 8 weeks of taking the statins and you should also have a checkup at least once per year or more often if your doctor thinks it's necessary.
You should also see major changes in your cholesterol levels within two to four weeks after starting treatment.
When you take a statin, you do more than improve your cholesterol levels.
The statins also help to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems.
Your cholesterol level should be lower than 200 mg/dL.
Cholesterol levels of 200-239 mg/dL are considered borderline high, while levels of 240 mg/dL and above are considered high risk.
A normal total cholesterol level for adults without heart disease is less than 200 mg/dL.
Dangerously high cholesterol levels are when your total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke.
The signs of dangerously high cholesterol are.
Heart attack. As you no doubt know, a cholesterol problem is going to bring on heart problems.
High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a sign to look out for, too.
Diabetes.
Chest pain or angina.
Stroke.
Pain while walking.
Too much cholesterol (200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL is borderline high and 240 mg/dL is high) isn't healthy because it can create roadblocks in your artery highways where blood travels around to your body.
This damages your organs that don't receive enough blood from your arteries.
Having high overall cholesterol does not mean a person is unhealthy.
However, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol levels carry an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
The body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly.
Some ways you can lower your cholesterol levels quickly are.
Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol.
Eliminate trans fats.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Increase soluble fiber.
Add whey protein to your diet.
Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver.
Blood cholesterol is essential for good health.
Your body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods.