About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Blood Cholesterol
Introduction
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but having too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is carried through your bloodstream by lipoproteins, which are categorized into:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) : Often called 'bad' cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) : Known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides : A type of fat in the blood that can contribute to heart disease if elevated.
Why is High Cholesterol Dangerous?
Excessive LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaques in arteries, causing atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Peripheral artery disease
Causes of High Cholesterol
Several factors influence cholesterol levels, including:
- Diet : Eating too much saturated and trans fat.
- Lack of Physical Activity : Exercise helps raise HDL and lower LDL.
- Genetics : Some people inherit conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Smoking & Alcohol : Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol, and excessive alcohol intake can raise triglycerides.
How to Lower Bad Cholesterol?
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet : Include vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
- Exercise Regularly : At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol .
- Medication : Statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs may be required for some patients.
When to Get Tested?
Routine cholesterol screening is recommended:
- Every 4-6 years for adults over 20.
- More frequently if you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol.
Conclusion
Managing cholesterol is essential to maintaining heart health. Lifestyle changes and medications can effectively control cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Cholesterol Guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol
- https://professional.heart.org/en/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-mean
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000625
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia
2. European Society of Cardiology Dyslipidaemia Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Dyslipidaemias-Management-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/1/111/5556353
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/publications/DYSLIPguidelines-dyslipidemias-FT.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504418/
- https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2019_esc-eas_dyslipidemie_guidelines.pdf
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.