Cardiac Center
MRK-D-20-2012
Hypercholesterolemia
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the cells of the body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. High cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky deposits (called plaque) along the artery walls, that will eventually narrow or block the flow of blood to the brain, heart, and other organs. There are three types of cholesterol: •• HDL (high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol). •• LDL (low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol). •• VLDL (Very-low-density lipoprotein). Signs and Symptoms: There usually are not any symptoms of high cholesterol, especially in early
stages. The only way to tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test. Risk Factors: •• Being overweight or obese. •• Eating a diet high in saturated fat and Trans fatty acids (found in processed and fried foods). •• Not getting enough exercise. •• Family history of heart disease. •• High blood pressure, and smoking. •• Diabetes. Diagnosis: Most people don’t have any symptoms of high cholesterol. A blood test is the only way to check levels of cholesterol in your blood. If your levels are above 200 mg/dL or your HDL is below 40, your doctor may do a fasting lipid profile (a test performed after you abstain from food for 12 hours).
Preventive Care:
Diet: To eat a healthy diet:
•• Cut down on saturated fats and Trans fats. •• Eat whole grains, and fatty fish. •• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Losing Weight: Being overweight increases
risk of high cholesterol and heart disease, However to maintain a healthy diet, you should aim for a gradual, weekly weight loss of 1/2 to 1 pound.
Getting Exercise: Regular exercise both reduces the risk of death from heart disease and helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
Treatment Approach:
•• Lowering
your cholesterol level reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels there is a 2% reduction in the rate of •• If your LDL cholesterol remains high, after changing your diet and exercise habits, your doctor may prescribe medications to lower it.
If your cholesterol is very high (more than 200 mg/ dL), you may start drug therapy at the same time you improve your diet and exercise habits. •• Cholesterol-lowering medications should be avoided during pregnancy.
For Scheduling: For further information or to schedule an appointment with IMC-MID please call 650-9000 Ext: 5900 / 1993 / 1999 / 9199 or kindly visit us at: IMC-MID