Our Practice Heart Clinic

Heart Health - Cholesterol

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol:Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries). This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol:
  Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Higher levels of HDL are beneficial for heart health.
• Triglycerides:
  These are another type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL, can increase the risk of heart disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels:

• Unhealthy Diet:
  Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can raise your LDL cholesterol levels. Processed foods, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy products are common culprits.
• Obesity:
  Being overweight or obese increases your cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Smoking:
  Smoking damages blood vessels, leading to lower levels of HDL cholesterol and making it easier for LDL cholesterol to build up in the arteries.
• Genetics:
  Some people inherit a tendency to have high cholesterol levels, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Age and Gender:
  As you age, your cholesterol levels may naturally rise. Men typically have higher cholesterol levels earlier in life, while women’s cholesterol levels tend to rise after menopause.

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to get regular cholesterol screenings as part of your routine healthcare. If left untreated, however, high cholesterol can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

Prevention: Managing Cholesterol for Heart Health

Taking steps to manage your cholesterol levels is key to reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease:

• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
  • Reduce saturated and trans fats found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods.
  • Increase intake of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish like salmon.
  • Eat more fiber-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which can help lower cholesterol.
  • Limit dietary cholesterol found in eggs and shellfish.
• Exercise Regularly:
  Regular physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight:
  Losing excess weight can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting HDL cholesterol.
• Quit Smoking:
  Stopping smoking improves your HDL cholesterol levels and benefits your overall heart health.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption:
  Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all, can help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
• Take Medications if Prescribed:
  If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of high cholesterol can help prevent serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Regular cholesterol screenings are crucial, especially if you have risk factors like family history, obesity, or poor dietary habits.

If your cholesterol levels are too high, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: 
  Statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, or PCSK9 inhibitors are commonly prescribed to help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Lifestyle Modifications: 
  In addition to diet and exercise, your provider may suggest weight loss, smoking cessation, and reduced alcohol consumption to help manage your cholesterol levels.
• Regular Monitoring:
  Routine blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels will help you and your doctor track progress and adjust treatment as needed.