[This content is a story-based medical science article, please read it rationally, and do not sit down]
"Doctor, can I really stop drinking?" Uncle Liu looked at me with a melancholy expression, still clutching the prescription of lipid-lowering drugs that had just been prescribed in his hand. I looked at this old patient who had just been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and couldn't help but sigh. Who would have thought that this retired engineer, who seemed to be in good health, would find that his cholesterol and triglycerides were frighteningly high during a routine physical examination?
"Uncle Liu, you have to listen to my advice." I said earnestly, "Lipid-lowering drugs can indeed help you control your blood lipids, but if you continue to eat and drink and have fun, it will be really for nothing." "
Uncle Liu frowned, with a reluctant expression: "But I love to drink two cups in my life, what can I do now?" "
Looking at Uncle Liu's tangled appearance, I couldn't help but think of a new study I saw a few days ago. This study revealed an astonishing fact: it turns out that after many people start taking lipid-lowering drugs, they relax their requirements for themselves and do some things that they shouldn't do, and the result is counterproductive, and their blood lipids do not fall but rise.
I decided to explain it to Uncle Liu so that he could understand what he should pay attention to after taking lipid-lowering drugs.
"Uncle Liu, listen to me slowly." I cleared my throat and began to speak.
"Did you know? As soon as many people get lipid-lowering drugs, they feel that they have the 'Shang Fang Sword' and can do whatever they want. As everyone knows, this medicine is not a panacea, if you continue to eat and drink and do not pay attention to your diet, it is tantamount to wasting the effect of the medicine! "
Uncle Liu nodded when he heard this, and I continued while the iron was hot: "Some people think that after taking lipid-lowering drugs, they can let go of their belly and eat meat. This could not be more wrong! Excessive intake of animal fats will not only counteract the effects of the drug, but may also increase the burden on the liver. Think about it, the liver is already metabolizing drugs, and processing too much fat, doesn't that add double stress to the liver? "
Uncle Liu touched his stomach thoughtfully, as if he was thinking about his usual eating habits.
"Also, Uncle Liu." I continued, "Some people think that they can stop exercising after taking lipid-lowering drugs, and this idea is even more unacceptable! Moderate exercise can not only help with weight control, but also raise good cholesterol levels, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone. Don't be too lazy to move just because you've taken your medicine! "
Uncle Liu nodded, with a sudden realization on his face: "I see!" I thought I would be able to sit back and relax after taking the medicine. "
"You're right, doctor." Uncle Liu seemed a little ashamed, "I do have this kind of thought." In the past, I always felt that as long as I took medicine on time, I could control my blood lipids. Now it seems that this thinking is wrong. "
I smiled with relief and continued, "Uncle Liu, it's good that you can realize this. In fact, there is another thing that many people tend to overlook, and that is when and how to take medication. Some people think that it is a lipid-lowering drug anyway, and it is the same when you take it. As everyone knows, different types of lipid-lowering drugs are particular about the time and way of taking them. "
Uncle Liu hurriedly asked, "Then how should I eat?" "
"It depends on the specific medication," I explained, "and statins, for example, are best taken at night because the body synthesizes cholesterol at the fastest rate at night." Some other types of lipid-lowering drugs may need to be taken before or after meals. So be sure to follow the doctor's instructions, not do what you want. "
Uncle Liu nodded again and again, his face full of seriousness.
"One more point, Uncle Liu." I said solemnly, "Many people stop taking other drugs after taking lipid-lowering drugs, especially antihypertensive drugs or hypoglycemic drugs. This practice is very dangerous! Chronic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes often affect each other. Stopping the drug hastily may cause fluctuations in other indicators and even induce more serious complications. "
Uncle Liu was taken aback: "Doctor, I don't have any other chronic diseases, but I remember that if I have other diseases in the future, I will never dare to stop taking medicine." "
"It's good that you can think so." I was relieved to say, "In fact, there is a common misconception that as long as you take lipid-lowering drugs, you don't need regular check-ups." That's a bad idea! Regular check-ups can not only keep track of the control of blood lipids, but also monitor whether drugs are affecting liver and kidney function. Therefore, even if you take the medicine, you should have a regular check-up. "
Uncle Liu nodded thoughtfully: "I understand, doctor." It seems that this lipid-lowering drug is not as simple as imagined. "
"That's right, Uncle Liu." I smiled and said, "Lipid-lowering drugs are indeed an effective means of controlling blood lipids, but they are not a panacea. We also need to start from our daily life, such as adjusting our diet, increasing the amount of exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. These lifestyle changes, combined with medication, can achieve the best results. "
After listening to this, the expression on Uncle Liu's face became firm: "Doctor, I understand." Starting today, I want to completely change my lifestyle. Not only do I have to take my medicine on time, but I also have to pay attention to my diet, keep exercising, and I have to quit drinking! "
Looking at Uncle Liu's determination, I also felt very relieved. I know it's not easy to change your habits for years, but with determination, anything is possible.
"Uncle Liu, I am really happy for you to have such an awareness." I said heartily, "But I still have to remind you. Although it is necessary to control your diet, it is also important not to be too yourself, and it is also important to relax moderately. For example, you can try some healthy cooking methods, such as steaming and boiling, so that you can satisfy your cravings without consuming too much fat. "
Uncle Liu's eyes lit up: "That's a good idea!" My wife's best thing is steamed fish, so I'll eat more fish and less meat in the future. "
"Yes, it's a good idea to eat more fish," I agree, "and fish is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are very helpful for controlling blood lipids." In addition, eating more vegetables and fruits and choosing whole grains are also good ways to control blood lipids. "
Uncle Liu nodded again and again when he heard this, and the worry on his face was gradually replaced by firmness. I know he's made up his mind to change his lifestyle.
"Uncle Liu, the last thing I want to tell you is that controlling blood lipids is a long-term process that requires your perseverance. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but if you stick with it, you'll find that these changes will not only help you control your blood lipids, but also improve your overall health. "
Uncle Liu nodded solemnly: "Doctor, I understand." I will definitely cooperate with the treatment, take my medicine on time, pay attention to my diet, and keep exercising. Wait for the next review, I will definitely give you a good result! "
Looking at Uncle Liu's firm back when he left the clinic, I couldn't help but sigh: what doctors can do is actually just point out the direction, and it is the patients themselves who really want to take this healthy road. I hope that every patient like Uncle Liu can understand the matters that should be paid attention to after taking lipid-lowering drugs, and can adhere to a healthy lifestyle, so as to achieve effective control of blood lipids.
After all, a healthy life requires not only the assistance of medicine, but also the efforts and persistence of each of us. Let's take responsibility for our own health and live a better life!