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 Cholesterol Levels
Introduction
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for building cells and producing hormones. It is classified into different types:
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) : Often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to artery blockage.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) : Known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries.
- Triglycerides : A type of fat in the blood that can also contribute to heart disease.
Why Is Cholesterol Important?
Cholesterol is needed for many body functions, but an excess, especially of LDL, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
| Type | Healthy Level |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 200 mg/dL |
| LDL Cholesterol | Less than 100 mg/dL (optimal), below 70 mg/dL for high-risk patients |
| HDL Cholesterol | More than 40 mg/dL (men), more than 50 mg/dL (women) |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL |
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
- Poor diet (high in saturated and trans fats)
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism)
How to Lower Bad Cholesterol and Increase Good Cholesterol
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Eating : Increase fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), consume healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, fish), and avoid processed foods.
- Exercise Regularly : At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Quit Smoking : Improves HDL cholesterol and reduces heart disease risk.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight : Losing even 5-10% of body weight can positively impact cholesterol.
Medications:
- Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin)
- Ezetimibe (inhibits cholesterol absorption)
- PCSK9 inhibitors (for high-risk cases)
Regular Monitoring
It is recommended to check cholesterol levels regularly, especially if there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cholesterol Management
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000625
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia
- https://professional.heart.org/en/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423391/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Dyslipidemia
- 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/37739143/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
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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.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
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.