cardiac
health on time
TM
winter 2014
the cholesterol question a new look at an old problem
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y now, the evidence is rock solid: Keeping your cholesterol levels in check can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease. Multiple studies have shown that exercising, eating right, and avoiding smoking can be enough to lower moderately high cholesterol in many people. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can reduce cholesterol levels dramatically—substantially lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. Yet high cholesterol remains a serious health threat to millions of Americans. Why?
Good vs. bad cholesterol While we tend to say that high cholesterol is bad for us, there is one form of cholesterol that is helpful. While LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol tends to build up on the walls of blood vessels, HDL (highdensity lipoprotein) sweeps the bad cholesterol away from the tissues to the liver, where the body can process and eliminate it.
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They don’t know. About 1 in every 3 American adults has high cholesterol. Since there are no symptoms, many have never been tested and don’t realize they are at risk.
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They don’t act. Among those who know that they have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, some are unable or unwilling to adopt a healthier diet or a healthier lifestyle. In November 2013, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) released a new guideline for treatment of blood cholesterol in people at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. The guideline, prepared by a panel of experts, addresses the rising rate of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. The guideline identifies patients who have the greatest chance of preventing stroke and heart attacks with cholesterol-lowering statins, and it emphasizes the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent and control high blood cholesterol. Neil J. Stone, MD, chair of the panel, says “Statins were chosen because their use has resulted in the greatest benefit and the lowest rates of safety issues.” Statin medications have been used for more than two decades in the United States by millions of people. Although all medications have some side
heart failure on the rise
Take These Offensive Moves
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hanks to improved medications and advanced procedures, increasing numbers of people are surviving heart attacks and coronary artery disease. Yet many of these people are struggling with heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure.
get moving The AHA recommends the following physical activity for adults (1 or 2, plus 3):
A Closer Look
1. At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity
A woman’s risk of heart disease may occur later in life than a man’s, but her odds of having elevated cholesterol are actually higher. Beginning at age 20, more women than men have a total blood cholesterol of 200 or higher, studies show. Overall, 16.2 percent of women age 20 and over have dangerously high total cholesterol (240 and above), compared to 13.5 percent of men. What’s more, many women with high cholesterol aren’t getting the treatment they need. Women are less likely than men to be aware of their condition and are less likely than men to have their cholesterol managed.
aerobic activity five days a week; or
2. A t least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity
three days per week—or a combination of the two.
3. A nd—moderate to high intensity muscle-
strengthening activity two or more days per week for additional health benefits.
effects, statins are considered to be very safe when used properly. They are available in brand-name and generic formulations and are covered by virtually all prescription insurance plans. They are also easy to take—usually only once a day at bedtime. While statins are effective at reducing LDLs (“bad cholesterol”), an important issue facing physicians is how aggressive to be when prescribing for individual patients, who may or may not be successful in changing their habits to combat cholesterol. Talk with your physicians about your lifestyle and the benefits of medication therapy for managing your cholesterol.
According to John Thornton III, MD, a cardiologist at Georgia Regents Cardiovascular Center who directs the outpatient heart failure program, the condition occurs when the heart becomes too weak to circulate enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This chronic, progressive disease causes shortness of breath and fluid retention. “Heart failure is often caused by other conditions that damage the heart muscle, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, or heart valve problems,” says Dr. Thornton. Like coronary artery disease, heart failure is largely preventable.
What’s the Best Defense? Dr. Thornton suggests you take these steps to prevent heart failure: n Control your blood pressure. n Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet. n E xercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. n Don’t smoke.
Coronary Calcium Scans This easy, 15-minute test is up to 10 times more accurate at predicting your heart attack risk than traditional diagnostic methods. To schedule, call 706-721-9729 or visit gru.edu/cardio.
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D rink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Take medications as prescribed.
Heed these Warnings Contact your physician if you experience these signs of heart failure: n Weight gain of three pounds or more in one day n Fatigue and weakness n P ersistent coughing or wheezing n Swelling in the abdomen, legs, ankles, or feet n S hortness of breath and reduced ability to exercise n Rapid or irregular heartbeat “Although most cases of heart disease can’t be cured, early diagnosis and good medical management can help patients live longer, more active lives,” says Dr. Thornton.
Call 706-721-2426 now to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist who specializes in heart failure. gru-008
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