High cholesterol is an increasingly prevalent health risk plaguing the population worldwide. Often linked with poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and genetics, high cholesterol significantly contributes to the risk of developing heart diseases. The condition often remains asymptomatic until it leads to a heart attack or stroke, prompting the need for constant check-ups and monitoring, especially for individuals over the age of 20. Optimal treatment strategies for high cholesterol encompass a range of approaches including lifestyle modifications, medication, and, in certain instances, procedures like LDL apheresis.

In many cases, lifestyle adjustments are the first line of defense against high cholesterol. A heart-healthy lifestyle can bring significant improvements by lowering cholesterol levels. It involves incorporating healthier foods into your diet, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limiting foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Regular physical activity, ideally 30 minutes a day, can also help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol, while lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol. Weight management and quitting smoking are key aspects of maintaining a healthier lifestyle, directly contributing to lower cholesterol levels.

However, when lifestyle modifications are not sufficient to significantly lower high cholesterol, medication becomes an essential part of treatment. Statins are often the first choice, inhibiting the liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. They not only lower LDL levels but also marginally boost HDL. Other medication options include bile acid-binding resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and injectable medications, which selectively remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

For individuals with an extremely high level of LDL cholesterol, LDL apheresis, a dialysis-like procedure, is used. This involves removing LDL cholesterol from the blood, after which the ‘cleaned’ blood is returned to the body. While this treatment is effective, it's often reserved for severe cases due to its cost and the requirement of regular sessions.

Regardless of the high cholesterol treatment approach, regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment strategy and to adjust doses or methods, if necessary. Remember, high cholesterol doesn't cause symptoms until it leads to serious health issues. Hence, periodic cholesterol screenings play a vital role in early detection, facilitating timely intervention.

In summary, battling high cholesterol involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and procedure-based treatments. As each individual's body reacts differently to different methods of treatment, it's crucial to have an ongoing conversation with your healthcare provider to select the most suitable strategy, making periodic adjustments as necessary. The positives that come from maintaining healthy cholesterol levels including a decreased risk of heart diseases, enhanced overall well-being, and potentially a longer lifespan, should motivate each one of us to take proactive steps to manage cholesterol levels.