The NHS has outlined five key lifestyle modifications that doctors typically recommend before prescribing statins, one of the most commonly dispensed medications in the UK. Statins are used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as 'bad' cholesterol, which can narrow and harden arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease—a leading cause of death in the UK.
According to the NHS website, a GP may suggest statin therapy if you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, or if your personal and family medical history indicates a high risk of developing it within the next ten years, and lifestyle changes have not reduced that risk. However, before prescribing statins, your GP will 'usually' advise certain lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
The first recommendation is to cut down on fatty foods, particularly those high in saturated fat. The NHS advises that you can still consume foods containing unsaturated fats, which are healthier. Second, the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise per week.
Third, smoking cessation is strongly advised, as smoking raises cholesterol and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. The NHS offers support through the GP or the NHS Stop Smoking Service (helpline: 0300 123 1044 in England). Fourth, maintaining a healthy weight is important, though the source does not specify exact targets. Fifth, limiting alcohol intake is also suggested, though not detailed in the source.
The NHS emphasises that the only way to know if your cholesterol is too high is through a cholesterol test. Healthy levels depend on age, health conditions, and cardiovascular risk, but generally, total cholesterol should be 5mmol/L or less, and LDL cholesterol should be 3mmol/L or less. Statins may be recommended if these lifestyle measures do not help.
