Control High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of several
heart attack risk factors.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. High cholesterol does not cause immediate damage over days, weeks, or months. However, over years, high blood cholesterol can take its toll, leading to
atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing or complete blockage of arteries because of the buildup of
plaque on artery walls. The arteries most affected by plaque buildup are the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This is one reason why
heart disease and heart attacks are one of the
effects of high cholesterol.
There have been several studies that that 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 halted by
reducing cholesterol. In some cases, it may even be reversed. This results in fewer people developing and dying from
heart disease. It also lowers the number 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 five 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.
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