Treatment of High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that is necessary for our bodies to function. Higher than normal levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause damage to blood vessels by accumulating in the vessel and forming plaques that can obstruct or block blood flow and cause narrowing of the blood vessels. High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other factors that increase risk of heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, older age, and having a family member who had a heart attack at a young age.
High cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have your cholesterol level checked. The choice of treatment depends on the level of a person's risk for heart disease in addition to cholesterol level. There are several options for treating high cholesterol that you should discuss with your doctor.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fats, and low in total fat content can help to lower cholesterol to healthful levels.
Engaging in regular exercise for at least 30 minutes each day lowers cholesterol levels and prevents type 2 diabetes, lowers risk of heart disease, and reduces or maintains weight. Regular physical activity (such as walking) is a cornerstone of treatment for high cholesterol and related health problems.
Losing excess body weight can lower cholesterol levels. Controlling weight by reducing caloric intake and introducing daily exercise has many beneficial effects, including reducing risk for diabetes, heart attack, and some cancers.
Stopping smoking is important because tobacco products damage blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol to form plaques.
Medications called statins work in the liver to block production of cholesterol. These medications are effective in reducing cholesterol levels, but the levels go up again if the medicine is stopped. These medicines can have adverse effects that require attention. Liver damage can occur, as well as muscle damage called myopathy. Regular laboratory examinations may be required to check for liver damage. Any muscle pain or weakness that develops while taking a statin medication must be reported immediately to your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take statin medications.
Sequestering medications (also called binding agents) combine with bile acids in the intestine. This process makes less cholesterol available to go into the bloodstream.
American Heart Association
800/AHA-USA-1 (242-8721)
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
301/592-8573
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2004;291(18):2276. doi:10.1001/jama.291.18.2276.
JAMA. 2004;291(18):2276. doi:10.1001/jama.291.18.2276.
Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that is necessary for our bodies to function. Higher than normal levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause damage to blood vessels by accumulating in the vessel and forming plaques that can obstruct or block blood flow and cause narrowing of the blood vessels. High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other factors that increase risk of heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, older age, and having a family member who had a heart attack at a young age.
High cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have your cholesterol level checked. The choice of treatment depends on the level of a person's risk for heart disease in addition to cholesterol level. There are several options for treating high cholesterol that you should discuss with your doctor.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
STATIN MEDICATIONS
Medications called statins work in the liver to block production of cholesterol. These medications are effective in reducing cholesterol levels, but the levels go up again if the medicine is stopped. These medicines can have adverse effects that require attention. Liver damage can occur, as well as muscle damage called myopathy. Regular laboratory examinations may be required to check for liver damage. Any muscle pain or weakness that develops while taking a statin medication must be reported immediately to your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take statin medications.
OTHER MEDICATIONS
Sequestering medications (also called binding agents) combine with bile acids in the intestine. This process makes less cholesterol available to go into the bloodstream.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.americanheart.org
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
<< Back to article index...
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PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.