Cholesterol is carried through your bloodstream by proteins. When these proteins combine with cholesterol, they form lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can build up on the walls of your arteries and form plaque, which can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart.
HDL cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries, reducing your risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. Some common risk factors for high cholesterol include:
Cholesterol management is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. By understanding the importance of cholesterol management and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, please contact 1st Health Medical & Cardiology to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team can provide you with the support and guidance you need to manage your cholesterol levels and improve your heart health.Approximately 30 million American adults have cholesterol issues, hence it is extremely important to regularly check a lipid panel. Large population based studies and multiple randomized clinical trials in both the US and internationally, clearly demonstrate the link between cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
If an individual does not have any evidence of cholesterol plaque formation in their arteries then a Primary Prevention protocol is instituted. Conversely, if there is already evidence of cholesterol buildup in a patient’s cardiovascular system or the patient has already had a stroke or a heart attack or arterial disease in the legs or elsewhere, then a Secondary Prevention strategy is implemented to prevent progression of plaque buildup. The cholesterol target goals for a particular patient vary depending on both of the above.
Cholesterol management currently focuses on 3 main aspects:
The overall goal of the above three items is to decrease inflammation and stress.
Pre and senile dementia has been linked to the gradual narrowing of the small arteries in the brain, with resulting impairment in memory and cognitive thinking. It is recommended that individuals know their cholesterol panel, weather they fit a Primary versus Secondary Prevention strategy and as soon as possible get started on the management program as above!
Unfortunately, most adults do not know their blood pressure on a consistent basis, and at least 25% to 30% of those on medications are not controlled. There are ethnic and socioeconomic variations in the incidence, severity and control of hypertension which must be initially recognized and managed to optimally control blood pressure.
Managing hypertension requires extensive and persistent patient education, lifestyle modification, patient compliance and medication management to consistently control the blood pressure and avoid side effects such as erectile dysfunction, low blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose elevation as well as renal failure. Some individuals are able to improve their lifestyle that in time they can come off blood pressure medications. This is certainly the goal!
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