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Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions treated by ophthalmologists and usually occur as part of the normal aging process. St. Luke’s surgeons have been trailblazers in the innovations that make cataract surgery one of the safest and most regularly performed surgeries in the United States.
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Brandon Rodriguez, MD | Pit Gills, MD | Jeffrey Wipfli, MD
WE COMPLY WITH ALL CDC COVID-19 GUIDELINES Tarpon Springs | Clearwater | Spring Hill | Tampa | St. Petersburg
By Rebecca Fending
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, which means now is the time to learn all about cholesterol and what seniors can do to keep theirs in check as they age. From knowing the difference between LDL and HDL to diet choices to keep you at your best, here are just a few points in learning about cholesterol to preserve your heart health:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD CHOLESTEROL?
We’ve all heard about “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but what does that even mean? According to the American Heart Association, HDL cholesterol can be thought of as the “good” cholesterol because a healthy level may protect against heart attack and stroke. HDL carries LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. But HDL cholesterol doesn’t completely eliminate LDL cholesterol. Only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
WHAT ABOUT TRIGLYCERIDES?
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet. A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol is linked with fatty buildups within the artery walls, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP PREVENT STROKE OR HEART ATTACK?
According to Harvard Medical School, there are 11 different foods that you can work into your diet to help combat or lower high cholesterol. Some of these foods deliver soluble fiber, which binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation. Others give you polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And some contain plant sterols and stanols, which block the body from absorbing cholesterol.
HERE ARE SOME FOODS TO HELP CHOLESTEROL:
• Soluble fiber: Oats, barley/whole grains, beans, eggplant, okra, apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits, fiber supplements if eating soluble fiber is difficult • Good fats, protecting heart health: Nuts (about two ounces per day), fatty fish (salmon, tuna, anchovies, trout, etc.) If you have specific cholesterol concerns, discuss them with our primary care physician or heart specialist before taking matters into your own hands.
