Cholesterol
Several studies have looked at the effects of
cholesterol treatment to prevent
heart disease. These cholesterol research studies have shown that the progress of atherosclerosis may be stopped by
reducing cholesterol intake. In some cases, it may even be reversed. This results in fewer people developing and dying from heart disease. It also lowers the number of people with heart disease who have another heart attack or die from heart disease.
You should have your blood cholesterol and
triglyceride levels checked (through a lipid panel test) at least once every 5 years. If your triglyceride or
cholesterol levels are high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them. You may be able to
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by eating better and exercising more. Your doctor may prescribe
cholesterol medication to help lower cholesterol.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (also known as
hypertension) is another risk factor for atherosclerosis. About 50 million American adults have high
blood pressure. The top number of a
blood pressure reading, called the systolic pressure, represents the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. High blood pressure makes the heart work extra hard and hardens artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease and
stroke.
A
blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or higher is considered high. Recently, new guidelines set a new "
prehypertension" level of any reading above 120/80 mmHg.
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