How to Manage Cholesterol - Doctor Q&A

High cholesterol, the silent killer.

Many people with high cholesterol may feel perfectly well with no symptoms; hence they may be unaware that their cholesterol levels are above the recommended range.

Raising awareness about early detection, lifestyle habits and appropriate treatment is key to preventing long‑term complications.

There are different types of cholesterol in the body, and health concerns arise when certain types become excessively elevated, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.”

Why is cholesterol harmful?

When LDL cholesterol levels are excessively high, cholesterol can accumulate along the walls of arteries and blood vessels, forming fatty deposits known as plaque.

Over time, this process narrows and hardens the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which causes poor blood circulation to the legs.

Our body also contains high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good cholesterol.” HDL helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it back to the liver for disposal.

In simple terms, LDL deposits cholesterol in the arteries, whereas HDL helps to clear cholesterol away from them.

Common risk factors of high cholesterol

Common risk factors for elevated LDL cholesterol include:

• Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats,
• Excessive intake of processed or deep-fried foods, and a
• Sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activity or exercise.

Other contributing factors include being overweight or obese, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia.

Practical tips for managing cholesterol

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is essential for cholesterol management. This includes:

• Consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains and oats, while
• Reducing the intake of foods high in saturated and trans fats such as processed meats, cheese, cream and deep-fried foods.
• Regular physical activity or exercise is also important. Activities such as brisk walking, light jogging, or cycling for at least 30 minutes, five times per week can help to improve cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight, 
• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake
• Regular health screenings and follow-up consultations with primary care physicians through Healthier SG enrollment are recommended to monitor cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.

How to live well with high cholesterol

In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and regular exercise, individuals who are prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins should be compliant and take them consistently and attend regular follow-up appointments with their primary care doctors.

As elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, it is also important to undergo screening for related conditions including diabetes mellitus and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Living well with high cholesterol is largely about developing sustainable long-term habits rather than seeking rapid solutions. With consistent management of overall cardiovascular risk factors, many individuals with high cholesterol are able to lead long, healthy and active lives.

This Q&A is your chance to get doctor's advice on cholesterol management. Submit your questions now! 

Dr Foo Jong Yi is a Consultant from the Department of Post-Acute & Continuing Care (PACC) at Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH).

He graduated from the National University of Malaysia in 2014 and obtained his Master of Medicine (Family Medicine) from the National University of Singapore in 2020. He subsequently completed his fellowship training in Family Medicine and was conferred the Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians Singapore, FCFP(S) in 2024.

In his current role at Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), Jong Yi works with a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care to inpatients to optimise their recovery before their transition back to the community.

He also serves as Head of Infection Prevention and Control at SingHealth Community Hospitals, where he collaborates with his team to implement infection prevention and control initiatives, establish standards for disinfection and environmental hygiene, oversee infection surveillance, and develop appropriate infection control strategies to enhance the quality of care.

His clinical interest is in Family Medicine, with a strong emphasis on delivering holistic, person-centred care to patients in the community hospital setting, while supporting the continuity of care as they transition back to their homes and the wider community.

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