The liver naturally produces cholesterol, which is a fatty substance that helps the body make hormones and digest fatty foods. There is also cholesterol in animal-based foods , such as eggs and meat. The body does not need cholesterol from food, and can naturally manufacture the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol drops over time, not suddenly, after a few days of healthier living. There is no set period in which cholesterol is guaranteed to drop. Cholesterol-lowering drugs usually produce a change in LDL within 6 to 8 weeks.
It is possible for lifestyle changes to change cholesterol levels within weeks. However, it may take longer, usually about 3 months — sometimes more. Some doctors recommend adding a cholesterol-lowering drug if a person has not lowered their LDL cholesterol after about 12 weeks of lifestyle changes.
For most people, healthy cholesterol levels are as follows :. According to an article in the journal Circulation , the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association AHA recommend using statins to lower cholesterol in people with cholesterol higher outside of these levels.
There are a number of habit changes a person can incorporate into their daily routines in order to gradually and consistently lower their LDL levels over time. However, a number of studies have found that the cholesterol a person gets from food does not substantially increase blood cholesterol. Instead, what matters is eating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients.
Because cholesterol intake does not directly correlate with cholesterol levels in most people, people do not necessarily need to avoid foods that contain cholesterol. Instead, most people should focus on eating a balanced diet that is low in trans fats and saturated fats.
Fact: Although many people can achieve good cholesterol levels by making healthy food choices and getting enough physical activity, some people may also need medicines called statins to lower their cholesterol levels.
Guidelines external icon also suggest that other medicines in addition to statins may be needed to help control cholesterol. People who may need statins or other medicines to manage cholesterol levels include the following:. Other groups of people may also need medicines to manage their cholesterol, including people who have a high risk for CVD.
Always talk to your health care provider about the best ways to manage your cholesterol. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. What do your cholesterol numbers mean? Can the foods you eat change your cholesterol levels? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids. But high LDL cholesterol levels in…. Your doctor will look at many factors when they decide which statin is safest for you, including your health and other medications you take.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Read on for more information on how to lower your LDL levels. What is cholesterol? How high is too high? Lifestyle changes. Looking forward. The Effects of High Cholesterol on the Body. Vincent Medical Center. If you fasted for 12 hours, then the cheeseburger you ate did not have a direct effect. Fasting for 10 to 12 hours before a cholesterol test ensures that a single food or meal does not affect the outcome of the test.
However, if you ate a cheeseburger every day, that probably would affect your numbers. Cholesterol levels are affected by what you eat over time. If you regularly eat foods that are high in saturated fat — such as cheeseburgers, full-fat cheese, and fatty cuts of meat — that can raise your cholesterol levels.
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