Caitriona’s Cholesterol Journey
Caitriona's journey with high cholesterol began unexpectedly when she decided to undergo a random blood test at her GP's to address other concerns she had. The test results came back stating she had high cholesterol.
The results left Caitriona feeling shocked, as it was the last thing she expected. She had always believed she led a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a good diet, managing stress, and taking care of herself.
Initially, Caitriona struggled with a whirlwind of emotions—shock, fear, and a bit of panic. It’s not uncommon to experience health anxiety when faced with something unfamiliar, especially when it relates to a condition that carries potential implications for heart health. The initial lack of understanding added to her emotional turmoil, making the situation even more overwhelming.
Determined to gain clarity and take control of her health, Caitriona had conversations with her family and discovered that cardiovascular problems ran on her grandparents’ side, and she also learned that her own mother had high cholesterol. Caitriona learned that her high cholesterol levels were hereditary. Understanding this familial link offered her some explanation for her condition and motivated her to take action.
Caitriona made proactive choices to manage her health. Alongside incorporating heart-healthy alternatives like Benecol with plant stanols into her diet, she understood the importance of staying active, so incorporated activities such as pilates, yoga, and regular walks into her routine.
Caitriona’s explained how in her job she is sitting down a huge amount of the day and realised the importance of counteracting the effects of a desk-bound lifestyle. She made it a priority to go for a daily walk, recognising that this simple activity could help improve her cardiovascular fitness and contribute to overall heart health.
By making small lifestyle changes, incorporating physical activity, and making informed dietary choices, Caitriona took charge of her heart health and embarked on a journey towards better cholesterol management.
Plant stanol ester has been shown to lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. The beneficial effect has been shown with a daily intake of 1.5-3.0g plant stanols, as part, of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
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