National Lipid Day is a holiday observed on the 10th of May every year. The purpose of this holiday is to raise awareness about dyslipidemia—a condition that results in an abnormal amount of lipids in the bloodstream. Lipids are a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids and/or their derivatives.

In most cases, lipids are used when talking about cholesterol. In fact, in developed countries, most cases of dyslipidemia are hyperlipidemias—or an elevation of “bad cholesterol” in the blood. Of course, hyperlipidemia is usually the result of lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise or due to poor diet choices.

Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease

Since this holiday is about lipids and ways to reduce them, we thought we’d list some of the ways that people can reduce their lipid levels and prevent heart disease. Let’s take a look at some of these tips before we move on and talk about how people can observe National Lipid Day.

Quit Smoking

When a person quits smoking, their heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop after 20 minutes. Within 12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function begins to increase. After a year, a person’s risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half. After 15 years of not smoking, a person’s risk of heart disease is the same as someone who never smoked.

Walk More

Walking helps to lower lipid levels, so everyone should take the time to walk at least 6,000 steps a day, although 10,000 steps a day is even better.

Reduce Saturated Fats

Reducing the amount of saturated fats consumed is also a good way to lower lipid levels. Saturated fats include fats found in red meat and dairy products. If a person eats less of these foods, then they can reduce their Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL Cholesterol).

Observing National Lipid Day

People can take the time to observe this holiday by first talking to their doctor and having their lipid levels checked. Once they’ve done that, they can then think about ways they can lower their lipid levels.

They can increase their physical activity, or they can add more leafy green vegetables and salmon to their diet. People can also use the hashtag #NationalLipidDay on their social media posts for the day to encourage other people to have their lipid levels checked as well.