By zp7op | Contributor
Heart disease remains the primary cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many individuals might not be aware that they are at an increased risk. Over 71 million adults in the U.S. suffer from high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and nearly 50 million have not managed it effectively, increasing their vulnerability to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Moreover, a significant portion, nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. adults, do not recognize that high cholesterol heightens the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This information stems from a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll, commissioned by Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. The survey also indicated a lack of understanding regarding treatment solutions for those with unmanaged cholesterol levels. About 30% of statin users mistakenly believe that statins are the sole option for reducing high LDL cholesterol.
“In auto racing, a red flag signifies danger on the track, necessitating an immediate stop of the race,” stated Dr. JoAnne Foody, chief medical officer at Esperion. “We are introducing a patient education initiative titled ‘Wave the Red Flag’ to urge individuals with uncontrolled high cholesterol to promptly check their levels and discuss suitable treatment options with their healthcare providers.”
If your cholesterol remains high and unmanaged, gaining insight into how to better control it can significantly lower your chances of facing serious health challenges, including life-threatening cardiovascular events.
Consider these tips to manage high cholesterol effectively.
Consult with your doctor. Engaging in a conversation with your physician is a crucial initial step in handling any health issue. Your doctor can clarify the seriousness of your situation and determine whether a moderate or aggressive treatment approach is necessary.
Monitor your progress. Keeping track of your cholesterol levels can aid you and your healthcare team in assessing the effectiveness of your treatment plan. If you do not have heart disease, the frequency of check-ups might be less. However, your doctor can suggest the ideal intervals for effectively managing your cholesterol.
Adhere to prescribed medications. Statins are typically the medications most recommended for managing blood cholesterol levels. Despite this, around 30% of statin users believe these drugs are the only cholesterol-lowering options available. However, some patients with ongoing conditions may still not reach the advised LDL cholesterol levels even with maximum statin therapy. Taking medications consistently and as directed allows your doctor to assess whether additional treatments, including non-statin options, may benefit your cholesterol management.
Implement lifestyle changes. Your dietary choices significantly influence LDL cholesterol levels. It is crucial to limit fatty foods, particularly those high in saturated and trans fats. Monitoring your overall diet and incorporating exercise can also help mitigate high cholesterol risk. Even without high cholesterol currently, embracing healthier habits can prevent future increases to unsafe levels.
For more information on how to manage your high cholesterol, consult your healthcare provider and visit WaveTheRedFlag.info.
Key Facts About Cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance produced by the liver and serves various important functions within the body, including hormone production and aiding in food digestion.
How does one develop high cholesterol?
The human body naturally produces all the cholesterol it requires, meaning any dietary cholesterol consumed is essentially unnecessary. Nevertheless, dietary cholesterol is commonly found in many foods, including meats, seafood, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Non-dietary factors contributing to high cholesterol include obesity, diabetes, genetics, and aging.
What constitutes a normal cholesterol level?
A standard optimal level of LDL cholesterol is approximately 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, optimal levels are at least 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. HDL cholesterol can actually decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Are there any symptoms associated with high cholesterol?
High cholesterol typically does not present symptoms, making regular screening essential for early detection.
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