Health experts advise monitoring nutrition labels and long-term trends to reduce heart disease risk

Health experts emphasize that managing cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke requires looking beyond dietary cholesterol to focus on specific nutritional indicators and long-term health trends.

Registered dietitians suggest that when reading nutrition labels, individuals should prioritize monitoring saturated and trans fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to approximately 13 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. Additionally, increasing soluble fiber intake—aiming for a daily value (DV) of 20% or higher—can help lower cholesterol by aiding excretion. Experts also recommend the ‘portfolio diet,’ which emphasizes plant proteins, oats, and healthy oils.

Medical professionals further advise that routine health screenings should not merely focus on whether values fall within ‘normal’ ranges, but rather on long-term trends. Key indicators for cardiovascular and cognitive health include blood pressure, blood glucose, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels, in particular, are linked to arterial stiffness and cognitive decline. Maintaining stable levels through diet, weight management, and regular exercise is considered more critical than any single test result.