It's hard to keep up with all of the headlines about what to eat, what supplements to take, and when medication should be considered to keep your heart healthy. Your cells need cholesterol to function, but too much and you're at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Where do you even start?
Luckily, Eric J. Brandt, M.D., a cardiologist and lipidologist, joined us recently to share his approach to managing cholesterol.
"What we focus on are treating diseases that are genetic or lifestyle mediated," says Brandt. "We bring a very specific lenses and toolkit to trying to use specific medications to manage those disorders."
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In a recent Facebook live video, featured above, Brandt explains it all: from good and bad cholesterol to the health risks of high cholesterol and advice on ways to lower it, to lifestyle changes, medications and alternative treatments that can be used.
Don't have time to watch the whole video? Jump to sections you're most interested in learning more about:
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What is cholesterol and why is it important to pay attention to?
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What should our cholesterol levels be, and how low is too low for cholesterol?
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What lifestyle interventions might work to manage your cholesterol?
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What is the best diet for cholesterol? (Plant based? Keto? Mediterranean? Intermittent fasting?)
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How often do you need to get your cholesterol levels checked?
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Is there a connection between high cholesterol and high blood pressure?
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What innovations are coming in cholesterol management or what's new?