High Cholesterol

Dyslipidemia is a condition where blood lipid levels are abnormal — either high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or both.

There are four key blood lipids to understand.

🔴 LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) — The "bad" cholesterol. When elevated, it deposits on artery walls, gradually narrowing them. This is the number one target for treatment.

🟢 HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein) — The "good" cholesterol. It transports cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher is better.

🟡 Triglycerides — Another type of blood fat. Elevated levels increase heart disease and pancreatitis risk.

📊 Total Cholesterol — The sum of all cholesterol types. Normal is below 200 mg/dL.

📏 General guidelines

• LDL Cholesterol — Below 130 mg/dL (good) / 130-159 (borderline high) / 160-189 (high) / 190+ (very high)
• HDL Cholesterol — Above 40 mg/dL in men / above 50 mg/dL in women (higher is better)
• Triglycerides — Below 150 mg/dL (normal) / 150-199 (borderline) / 200+ (high)
• Total Cholesterol — Below 200 mg/dL (normal) / 200-239 (borderline) / 240+ (high)

⚠️ For people with heart disease, diabetes, or multiple risk factors, LDL targets are much lower (potentially below 70 mg/dL). Consult your doctor.

When LDL Cholesterol remains elevated over time, it gradually deposits on artery walls, forming "plaques." This narrows arteries progressively — a process called Atherosclerosis.

❤️ Coronary heart disease — Narrowed heart arteries cause chest pain (angina) or sudden heart attack.

🧠 Stroke — Blocked or ruptured brain arteries cause brain damage, paralysis, or death.

🦵 Peripheral artery disease — Narrowed leg arteries cause pain when walking.

The dangerous part is that this process happens silently — no symptoms at all until arteries are severely blocked. Regular blood tests are the only way to catch it early.

🍖 Diet — Saturated fats (fatty meats, butter, cheese, coconut milk, fried foods) and trans fats (baked goods, margarine, processed foods) directly raise LDL Cholesterol.

🧬 Genetics — Some people are genetically predisposed to overproduce cholesterol or remove it poorly (Familial Hypercholesterolemia). These individuals have very high LDL from a young age, even with a healthy diet.

⚖️ Being overweight — Particularly abdominal fat, which raises LDL and Triglycerides while lowering HDL.

🚶 Lack of exercise — Exercise boosts HDL (good cholesterol). Inactivity leads to low HDL.

🩺 Other conditions — Diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure all affect blood lipids.

Simvastatin is a statin — the most effective class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. It works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is key to cholesterol production in the liver. When the liver produces less cholesterol, it pulls LDL Cholesterol from the bloodstream instead, lowering blood levels.

At Intimo Life, we offer two Simvastatin brands:

• Bestatin — Simvastatin taken once daily at bedtime, effectively lowers LDL Cholesterol
• Zimva — Statin medication that reduces LDL and helps prevent heart disease

💊 Dosing — Take one tablet daily at bedtime, because the body produces the most cholesterol overnight. Taking it before bed ensures the medication works during peak production.

📅 Timeline — Take consistently. Blood test improvements typically appear within 4-6 weeks. Ongoing use is needed to maintain levels.

⚠️ Important — Do not take with grapefruit juice, as this increases drug levels and may cause side effects / never stop on your own, even if blood results improve

Simvastatin has a very strong safety profile. Most users experience no side effects at all.

Possible side effects — Muscle pain or tiredness (occurs in about 5-10%, usually mild) / nausea, bloating, diarrhoea / headache

Serious side effects (very rare) — Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) — intense muscle pain, weakness, dark tea-coloured urine. Stop immediately and seek medical attention / liver inflammation (rare; periodic liver function tests are recommended)

If you experience mild muscle discomfort, consult a pharmacist — dose adjustment or switching medication may help.

In most cases, yes — ongoing use is needed. Statins "control" cholesterol levels; they don't "cure" the underlying condition. If you stop, LDL Cholesterol returns to its previous high level within 2-4 weeks as the liver resumes normal production.

However, some people who achieve significant lifestyle improvements (weight loss, exercise, dietary changes) may be able to reduce their dose under medical supervision. Never stop on your own.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce cholesterol by 10-20%, significantly complementing medication.

🥑 Foods that lower cholesterol — Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, olive oil, and oily fish / high-fibre foods (oats, beans, vegetables, fruits) help remove cholesterol from the body / soy protein

❌ Foods to reduce — Saturated fats (fatty meat, chicken skin, coconut milk, butter) / trans fats (baked goods, margarine, re-used frying oil) / processed foods

🏃 Regular exercise — At least 150 minutes per week. Boosts HDL Cholesterol and lowers Triglycerides.

⚖️ Lose weight — A 5-10% weight reduction meaningfully improves lipid levels.

🚭 Quit smoking — Smoking lowers HDL and accelerates artery damage.

High cholesterol often co-occurs with other metabolic conditions — together known as "Metabolic Syndrome."

💊 High blood pressure — Frequently accompanies high cholesterol. See our blood pressure medication.

💊 Diabetes — Diabetes disrupts lipid metabolism, particularly raising Triglycerides and lowering HDL. See our diabetes treatment.

💊 Gout — Often co-occurs with metabolic syndrome. See our gout treatment.

Managing all risk factors simultaneously produces better outcomes than addressing them one at a time.