Balancing Your Cholesterol Levels
Learn how cholesterol impacts people with kidney disease and discover practical tips to manage both conditions. Understand the connection and protect your health.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body can make cholesterol on its own or get it from meat and other animal food products. It’s important to keep your levels balanced to protect your heart, especially if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Understanding cholesterol
At normal levels, cholesterol helps your body function properly. If you have too much, it can build up in your blood vessels. When this buildup occurs in your heart, it’s called coronary heart disease and can lead to a heart attack.
Knowing your levels
If you have CKD, you are at higher risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which includes conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. It's recommended to have regular labs to check your cholesterol as high cholesterol increases the risk of ASCVD. If your cholesterol is high, there are steps you can take to lower it.
Tips to lower your cholesterol
Increase your physical activity level
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. Start small and increase your minutes. Whether it’s walking, yoga, or an online fitness class, every bit of movement helps.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your care team can help you determine your ideal weight. Losing weight if needed can help lower your cholesterol.
Choose kidney-friendly foods
What you eat plays a big role in your cholesterol levels—and your kidney health too. Talk to your care team about what to add or take away from your current nutrition plan.
Talk to your care team about medication options
There are medications that can help lower cholesterol levels in your blood to keep your blood vessels healthy. According to experts, most patients with CKD or diabetes should be taking these medications to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, stopping is crucial to improving your cholesterol levels. Quitting isn’t easy, but it will make a big difference. Talk to your care team for tips and support.
We are here to help
Your care team can help answer your questions about cholesterol. Reach out for any support you need.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.