Why Cholesterol Matters for Your Health
Cholesterol plays an important role in your body — it helps build cells and make hormones — but when levels get too high, it can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries.
Over time, that buildup increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions.
That’s why Canada’s heart health experts, including the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS), have created clear guidelines to help patients and healthcare professionals manage cholesterol in everyday life.
Understanding the Canadian Guidelines for Cholesterol
The Canadian guidelines for cholesterol are designed to help identify, prevent, and treat high cholesterol before it leads to complications.
Instead of focusing on one “perfect number,” these guidelines emphasize reducing your overall heart risk through a mix of healthy habits, medication (when needed), and regular checkups.
Key takeaways include:
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Adults should get a cholesterol test every few years, or more often if they have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.
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The main goal is to keep LDL (“bad”) cholesterol low and HDL (“good”) cholesterol high.
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For people at higher risk, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to bring your levels into a healthy range.
What These Guidelines Mean for You
Here’s what the Canadian guidelines translate to in daily life:
1. Know Your Numbers
Your cholesterol test will usually show:
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LDL (bad cholesterol): too much can clog arteries.
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HDL (good cholesterol): helps remove extra fat from the blood.
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Triglycerides: another type of fat that can raise heart risk.
If your LDL is high or your HDL is low, your healthcare team will guide you on next steps — and your pharmacist can help you stay on track with any new medications or supplements.
2. Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Big Difference
The guidelines emphasize that even small, consistent changes can improve your cholesterol and overall health:
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Eat heart-healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like olive oil and salmon).
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Get moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — even daily walks count.
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Quit smoking. Tobacco lowers HDL and damages blood vessels.
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Watch your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can raise triglycerides.
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Maintain a healthy weight. Losing even a few pounds can help lower LDL levels.
At Davies Pharmacy, our team can recommend over-the-counter supplements (like omega-3s or plant sterols) and provide nutritional tips to help you stay consistent between doctor visits.
3. Medication and Ongoing Support
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
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Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) to lower LDL
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Ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors if additional help is needed
Your pharmacist plays a key role here:
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Making sure your prescription is taken correctly
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Checking for interactions with other medications
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Helping manage side effects
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Monitoring your progress with follow-up blood tests
If you’re starting a cholesterol medication for the first time, talk to our team about what to expect and how to stay consistent with your treatment plan.
When to Get Tested
Canadian guidelines suggest:
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Every 5 years for healthy adults with no major risks
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Annually for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
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More often if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medication
Testing is usually quick and simple — your doctor or pharmacist can review your results and explain what your numbers mean in plain language.
Your Pharmacist’s Role in Cholesterol Care
At Davies Pharmacy, we do more than fill prescriptions — we’re your partners in long-term wellness.
Our pharmacists can help you:
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Review your medications and supplements
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Track your progress between checkups
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Recommend heart-healthy products
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Answer any questions about diet, side effects, or test results
We’re here to help make managing your heart health simple and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The Canadian guidelines for cholesterol are designed to help you live longer and feel better — not just lower a number on a test.
With the right balance of healthy habits, regular monitoring, and pharmacy support, you can take charge of your heart health at every stage of life.
More Than a Pharmacy — We’re Your Community Partner
At Davies Prescription Pharmacy, we’ve been proudly serving the North Shore community since 1974. For issues like community acquired pneumonia Canada, we’re here with:
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Medication reviews and compliance packs
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Immunization services (flu, pneumococcal)
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Travel health and respiratory support
Need mobility aids or homecare support after illness? Visit our sister company, Davies Home Healthcare, for stairlifts, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and more.
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