Understanding the risks of uncontrolled LDL cholesterol control
(Family Features) Millions of Americans face life-threatening cardiovascular problems because of their high cholesterol, a condition that almost everyone has heard of but only a fraction fully understand. In fact, many don’t realize they have high, harmful cholesterol until they have a heart attack or stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 71 million adults in the United States have high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. Of these, nearly 50 million Americans do not have their LDL cholesterol levels under control and are at higher risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from the effects of high LDL cholesterol, you should first equip yourself with the most important information.
What is high LDL cholesterol?
“Your body needs cholesterol – a waxy, fat-like substance – to function properly,” said Dr. Stephen Pinkosky, vice president of drug discovery and early development at Esperion. “However, too much LDL cholesterol can lead to blockages in your arteries. Because LDL cholesterol levels are often influenced by both lifestyle and genetics, it’s important to maintain the LDL cholesterol levels recommended by your doctor.”
What are the risks of high LDL cholesterol?
“Often, you don’t realize something is wrong until an artery becomes severely blocked, such as chest pain, pain in the arms or jaw, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath or weakness,” Pinkosky said. “These symptoms can occur when blood flow to the heart or brain is slowed or blocked.”
These blockages, which may not have caused any symptoms before, can rupture and cause serious problems, including heart attack or stroke. According to the American Heart Association, for some people, the first sign of elevated LDL cholesterol can be a fatal cardiovascular event.
According to the World Health Organization, elevated LDL cholesterol causes more deaths than all types of cancer combined, accounting for about one in three deaths in the United States and Europe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that deaths from heart disease will increase by 25% by 2030.
What can people do to keep their cholesterol levels under control?
One of the best ways to take care of your health is to be proactive. Even if you feel well, it’s a good idea to have your LDL cholesterol levels checked and discuss the results with your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you, if needed. Your care team will consider your LDL cholesterol levels, as well as any other factors that make a heart attack or the need for heart surgery more likely, such as your age, gender, family history (genetics), the presence of diabetes or high blood pressure, and lifestyle (such as whether or not you smoke and your diet).
For people with high LDL cholesterol, there are ways to get levels under control. Studies show that lowering LDL-C levels with certain cholesterol-lowering medications can reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
If you are unsure about your LDL cholesterol levels or would like to discuss ways to lower your levels, talk to your doctor. For more information about the risks and treatment of high LDL cholesterol, visit cardiosmart.org.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
