According to a new survey conducted by Harris Poll and the American Heart Association, 70% of heart attack and stroke survivors were unaware that LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” because it contributes to the accumulation of fat in the arteries. This is the common mistake that could be wreaking havoc on your cholesterol, according to cardiologists. Survivors of heart attacks and strokes also reported having high LDL cholesterol, but only 49% prioritized lowering it, according to the survey.
Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, the poll indicates that a significant number of people are unaware of the detrimental effects that LDL cholesterol can have on heart health. In fact, cardiologists assert that many people make one particular mistake that puts them directly at risk.
The Normal Slip-up That Could Be Unleashing Destruction on Your Cholesterol
Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, the Seat of the Branch of Preventive Medication at Northwestern College’s Feinberg Institute of Medication and the previous leader of the American Heart Affiliation, says that many individuals have a blend of qualities that make them more inclined to ingest cholesterol and immersed fats from their eating routine. This makes them more in danger of having elevated cholesterol. ” According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, “blood levels of LDL-cholesterol are a major causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”
According to the issue, he, is that many individuals don’t understand their gamble. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it is crucial to know your cholesterol levels and determine whether you are sensitive to dietary cholesterol. He asserts that the most common mistake individuals make when it comes to managing cholesterol is not consulting a doctor to determine their risk and cholesterol levels.
What occurs assuming that you go to the specialist and figure out you’re at raised risk or your LDL cholesterol numbers are as of now high? Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that then, it’s vital to be aware of your eating regimen — confining dairy fats, egg yolks and red meat.
According to Dr. Karishma Patwa, MD, a cardiologist at Manhattan Cardiology and a contributor to LabFinder.com, “for cholesterol specifically, we tend to focus on diet more than exercise.” She explains that eating saturated fat-rich foods frequently can raise LDL cholesterol. However, she adds, “Many people are unaware of a significant connection between cholesterol and diet.” She explains, “Some people are unaware that foods with a high glycemic index and sugar contribute to elevated triglyceride levels, which also pose a risk to the cardiovascular system.” All in all, it isn’t simply food varieties that are high in immersed fat that can adversely affect LDL cholesterol; foods high in sugar and glycemic index can also.
How to Reduce Your High Cholesterol Risk How can you apply the insights of your doctor to your life and reduce your risk of high cholesterol? To start with, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones accentuated, it’s critical to realize your cholesterol numbers. He says that certain individuals with elevated cholesterol can profit from taking professionally prescribed medicine. He emphasizes, however, that medication cannot replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Keeping that in mind, this intends that in the event that you have elevated cholesterol, it’s vital to limit food varieties high in immersed fat, high in sugar or that have a high glycemic file. Pastries, white bread, and white potatoes are all examples of foods with high glycemic indexes. Other examples include sugary beverages like soft drinks and flavored coffee drinks.
Dr. Patwa says, “While it’s hard to completely eliminate food groups, focusing on a heart-healthy diet is a good place to start.” Eat plenty of fresh produce, whole grains, beans, legumes, fish, seafood, and healthy fats.
She likewise says it’s essential to get normal activity (the AHA suggests going for the gold seven days of moderate-power work out), limiting liquor utilization and staying away from tobacco items.
According to both cardiologists, it is absolutely possible to reverse high cholesterol levels once an individual commits to following these recommendations. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, if lifestyle changes are maintained, they can have an impact on blood cholesterol levels in as little as four to six weeks.
You are in charge of your heart health; You alone can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, and the first step is to control your cholesterol. Make decisions based on your numbers. You have the ability to assume command over your wellbeing!