By Family Features | Contributor
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the foremost cause of death among both men and women in the United States. Alarmingly, a significant number of individuals are unaware of their heightened risk. Over 71 million American adults have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and nearly 50 million of these individuals have not effectively managed it, increasing their chances of experiencing serious cardiovascular incidents like heart attacks and strokes.
Moreover, a recent study by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., found that around 31% of U.S. adults do not realize that high cholesterol elevates their risk for heart attacks and strokes. The survey also indicated a general misunderstanding about the available treatments for those with uncontrolled cholesterol; specifically, 30% of individuals taking statins mistakenly believe that statins are the sole option for lowering high LDL levels.
“In auto racing, seeing a red flag indicates danger ahead, prompting an immediate halt to the race,” stated Dr. JoAnne Foody, chief medical officer at Esperion. “To address this, we are launching a patient awareness initiative called ‘Wave the Red Flag’ to motivate those with uncontrolled high cholesterol to get their levels checked promptly and explore suitable treatment options with their healthcare providers.”
If your cholesterol levels are not under control, gaining a deeper understanding of how to manage them can significantly lower your risk of serious health issues, including potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events.
Here are some strategies to help manage high cholesterol effectively:
Consult your physician. Engaging in a conversation with your doctor is a crucial initial step in managing any health concern. Your doctor can assess the seriousness of your condition and recommend whether your treatment plan should be more moderate or aggressive.
Monitor your progress. Keeping track of your cholesterol levels can assist both you and your health care team in determining the effectiveness of your treatment plan. If you have not developed heart disease, you may not need frequent cholesterol tests, but your physician can suggest optimal intervals for managing your cholesterol effectively.
Adhere to prescribed medications. Statins are typically the first-line medications recommended by treatment guidelines for cholesterol management. However, the survey noted that nearly 30% of statin users believe they are the only option for reducing cholesterol. Nonetheless, some patients with chronic conditions may still not meet recommended LDL cholesterol levels, even with maximum statin use. Following your medication regimen rigorously allows your healthcare provider to assess whether additional treatments, including non-statin options, may be necessary for better cholesterol control.
Implement lifestyle changes. Your dietary choices play a significant role in reducing LDL cholesterol. It’s important to limit intake of fatty foods, particularly those rich in saturated and trans fats. Observing your overall diet and exercising regularly can also help mitigate the risk of high cholesterol. Even if your cholesterol levels are currently healthy, embracing more cholesterol-friendly habits can help avoid future spikes.
For further information about managing high cholesterol, consult with your healthcare provider and visit WaveTheRedFlag.info.
Essential Facts About Cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that performs several vital functions in the body, including hormone production and aiding digestion.
What causes high cholesterol?
The body naturally produces all the cholesterol it requires, meaning any cholesterol obtained from food is excess. However, dietary cholesterol is prevalent in many common foods, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Other factors contributing to high cholesterol can include health issues like obesity and diabetes, genetic predisposition, and aging.
What are normal cholesterol levels?
Generally, an optimal LDL cholesterol level is about 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a desirable level is at least 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women, as HDL cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Are there symptoms of high cholesterol?
Unlike many health conditions, high cholesterol often presents no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular screenings.
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