How to Manage High Cholesterol with a Healthy Lifestyle

When the cholesterol levels in your body rise to the extent of causing other medical problems, the condition is known as hypercholesterolemia. Some ailments linked to high cholesterol include:

• Coronary heart disease

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) creates plaque buildup that hardens around the blood vessels’ walls, reducing the supply of blood to the heart. This may result in angina or a heart attack.

• Stroke 

Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries leading to the brain and even blocks them. In the case of complete blockage, there is a risk of a stroke.

• Peripheral vascular disease

Fatty deposits buildup on the artery walls and affects the circulation of blood. This disease often impacts the arteries leading to the feet and legs.

• Diabetes 

Diabetes increases triglycerides and reduces the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. It may also raise the LDL levels resulting in the formation of plaque, which further elevates the risk of artery and heart conditions.

• Hypertension

As the arteries harden and narrow due to plaque and calcium buildup, the heart requires additional straining to pump blood, which increases the blood pressure levels.

Cost of treatment for cholesterol-related ailments

Managing chronic ailments like high cholesterol levels is expensive, especially if you do not haveacashless health insurance plan. Some of the costs include doctor’s charges, hospitalization charges, diagnostic tests, and medication expenses. In case of complications arising due to hypercholesterolemia, like hypertension or diabetes, you will have to spend additionally on medicines to control these ailments. Hospitalization due to cholesterol-related conditions can take a toll on your finances.

Advantages of a health insurance plan

Health insurance for high cholesterol is highly beneficial in managing treatment costs. Here are a few plus points of this policy:

• Covers hospitalization expenses

These include doctor’s fees, bed charges, nursing expenses, androom rent, among other costs. With a health insurance plan that covers cholesterol ailments, you can focus on recovering instead of worrying about the finances.

• Takes care of consultation fees

When you have high cholesterol, regular visits to your physician for on-going treatment are common. Medical insurance will pay for the consultation fees, which reduces your burden.

• Provides monetary support for medical costs and tests

You need to undergo a lipid profile or lipid panel test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Frequent testing can be financially stressful, and a right mediclaim plan will cover these costs. In addition, the insurance policy pays for medications.

• Offers tax benefits

Like other health policies, these plans also provide tax-related advantages under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The deduction is up to INR 50,000 if you havehealth insurance for senior citizens.

Healthy dietary and fitness habits to reduce cholesterol

Living an active lifestyle and following a nutritious diet helps to decrease cholesterol levels. You must:

• Reduce stress through meditation and yoga 
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Exercise daily 
• Eliminate trans-fat and lower the intake of saturated fatty foods
• Consume fresh fruits and vegetables

Managing cholesterol without health insurance canprove costly. Invest in an insurance policy today to avert a financial crunch in the future. You must also get regular heart checkup.