In some cases, cholesterol can be brought to a safer level through dietary choices alone, without medication. This perspective comes from a cardiologist who teaches pharmacology at a major Russian medical faculty and shared these insights publicly.
Today, doctors have a broad spectrum of drug options to lower cholesterol. These include statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and inclisiran. Yet medication is typically combined with dietary changes. In certain patients, careful dietary adjustments may suffice to control cholesterol without drugs. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are the most well-supported options, each emphasizing a strong reduction in animal fats such as lard, butter, sausage, pork, and fatty dairy products. The recommended eating pattern prioritizes vegetables, fruits, nuts, plant oils with olive oil as a staple, and fatty fish as a regular protein source, all supported by substantial evidence.
Exercise adds another meaningful layer of cholesterol management. Regular physical activity helps lower cholesterol levels and supports overall cardiovascular health. However, when cholesterol levels are markedly elevated, it may be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle alone, and medication could still be necessary. Diet and pharmacotherapy complement each other and are not interchangeable steps in the treatment plan.
Some discussions in the past have explored questions about safe egg consumption for those with high cholesterol, reflecting the broader conversation about dietary choices and heart health.