Medical News
Ask the Pharmacist - National Cholesterol
Education Month
What is cholesterol and why is it a problem?
Cholesterol is made in the liver and is found in foods
from animals such as eggs, red meat, and whole dairy.
Cholesterol produces hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids
that help digest fat, so the body needs small amounts
of cholesterol to function. When a person has high levels
of cholesterol, it can build up in the arteries over time,
making it more difficult for blood to flow to and from
the heart. If the heart doesn’t receive enough blood
it can cause chest pain. If the blood flow is completely
cut off by a blockage it can cause a heart attack.
Not all types of cholesterol are harmful. High density
lipoproteins (HDL) help the body get rid of bad cholesterol
in the blood, so high levels are desirable. The “bad”
cholesterol are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides
that cause build up in the arteries. These should be kept
at low levels to prevent the risk of heart disease.
Why do people
have high cholesterol?
Several risk factors
can contribute to high cholesterol
• Heredity - Be aware of family history with
high cholesterol. Everyone over age 20 should have their
cholesterol checked every five years to catch cholesterol
problems that could otherwise go undetected.
• Smoking
• Age - As people age, their cholesterol levels
often increase. Cholesterol in women tends to rise after
menopause.
• Diet - Eating foods high in saturated fats contributes
to high cholesterol.
• Weight- Carrying excess fat and not getting
enough cardiovascular exercise increase the risk of
high cholesterol.
Are there any simple steps to lower the risk
of high cholesterol?
There are several easy measures to reduce your risk of
high cholesterol. A few include:
o Eat foods like
low-fat dairy, lean meat, fish, whole grains, fruits and
vegetables that are low in saturated fat
o Avoid foods like egg yolks, whole milk, liver and other
foods high in saturated fat
o Quit smoking if you are a smoker
o Lose unhealthy weight
o Do 30 minutes of physical activity several times a week.
You can walk, garden, swim, bicycle, play tennis, or even
take the stairs instead of the elevator at work.
What should I ask my doctor about cholesterol?
Ask your doctor for a lipoprotein profile. This will identify
your:
o Total cholesterol
o LDL cholesterol
o HDL cholesterol
o Triglycerides
Also ask your doctor
to help you identify any risk factors and how to reduce
them.
How is high cholesterol treated?
Although following a healthy diet helps lower cholesterol
levels, many doctors prescribe medication as well. Frequently
used medications include statins, niacin, bile-acid resins,
and fibric acid derivatives. A study in the Journal of
the American Medical Association several years ago showed
that taking Metamucil was an effective alternative for
people who were uncomfortable with taking medication.
Ask your doctor about the best solution for you.
Source: WebMD
This information is not a substitute
for medical treatment.
|
