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Month: May 2021

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Cholesterol

Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol

Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol

Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol

We often come across the term “high cholesterol” in discussions related to heart health and cholesterol treatment. Many of us could never understand what high cholesterol exactly is or, how detrimental it is to our heart health. These days, some people are totally unaware that they’re living with a problem of high cholesterol. But cholesterol and heart connection should be on everyone’s radar. 

Cholesterol, a natural component present in our blood, contributes to normal function of cell membranes and a number of other biological functions. However, having too much of it could be harmful. Basically, there are different types of cholesterol in our blood, one of which is high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol. High levels of some kinds of cholesterol, including low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is also considered “bad” cholesterol, can be harmful to your cardiovascular health. If your blood contains too much bad cholesterol, it’s known as high cholesterol. When left untreated, you’re at an in increased risk of heart attack and stroke. So, for the prevention of heart problems, cholesterol treatment becomes extremely important. Cholesterol, combined with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, increases your risk of heart-related problems even more.

How Does High Cholesterol leads to Heart Disease

To reduce the risk of problems related to heart, cholesterol treatment is necessary. The effects of high cholesterol effects on heart health are serious and this shouldn’t be taken lightly. While cholesterol is essential for the body at normal levels, it becomes a silent danger for your heart health when its concentrations become too high. This is how high cholesterol leads to heart attack– 

  • The role of LDL cholesterol is to carry cholesterol to all the parts of human body. However, this bad type of cholesterol and heart disease are directly related.
  • Having excessive amounts of LDL cholesterol in your blood leads to building up of of artery-clogging plaque, which sticks to the walls of arteries, limits the blood flow to your heart and eventually leads to heart attack. 
  • This makes cholesterol one of the major causes of heart disease and its treatment is important to fight against heart disease. 
  • If your cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL, it may cause heart disease. But, if your cholesterol is high only because of a high level of good cholesterol or HDL, you’re probably not at risk.

What Are the signs and Symptoms and of High Cholesterol?

While unhealthy levels of cholesterol contribute to major problems related to heart, cholesterol symptoms are usually not overt. Some people think that they’ll be able to feel cholesterol symptoms if they have high cholesterol. Contrary to what they think, you may not know you have elevated levels of cholesterol until it is too late—when you experience a cardiac event. As with diabetes, hypertension and other conditions that cause heart disease, the lack of signs and symptoms doesn’t mean that you need not to worry about it. 5 Only in some cases, high cholesterol may lead to Xanthomas, a dermatologic condition in which people develop yellowish growths on their skin. These people may have high cholesterol levels. As there are no symptoms of high cholesterol in the vast majority of cases, having this condition can place you at an increased risk of a cardiac event. If you have this condition over many years, your risk of heart attacks and strokes might be higher than normal for your age. If you’re someone in your 20s or 30s, it’s extremely important for you to do something about your unhealthy cholesterol levels now.

How heart disease can be treated in people With High Cholesterol?

People with heart disease and unhealthy cholesterol levels, may have serious heart health problems such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, or heart rhythm problems. Because all these issues can result in death, cholesterol treatment for heart disease patients becomes important. The cholesterol and heart disease treatment options for patients vary depending on the type of heart disease they have. The most common strategies include making small lifestyle changes, taking medications as prescribed and undergoing surgery. In most of the cases, doctors recommend patients to make important lifestyle changes and encourage them for heart-healthy living. Depending on your condition, your doctor may also prescribe you the best medicines for cholesterol treatment and you should continue taking them in recommended dosage as prescribed.  In those with unhealthy cholesterol levels, taking cholesterol medications helps lower their levels of LDL cholesterol and raise their HDL, or good cholesterol levels. This cholesterol treatment lowers their risk of plaque buildup, reducing their chances for having another cardiac event. Many doctors recommend treating anyone with heart disease with cholesterol-lowering medications.  To strengthen your heart health, it’s worth making these cholesterol-lowering medications part of your normal routine.

What Are Some Simple Ways to Prevent Heart Disease In A Person With High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol and heart disease prevention is important to live a longer, healthier life. Preventing high cholesterol and heart disease involves a range of healthy behaviors –

  • Having your cholesterol checked –Even if your risk of developing heart disease is low, this is important. If you have high cholesterol, this needs to be done more often for heart disease prevention.
  • Taking medications as prescribed-You should never stop taking them or change dosage (or frequency) without first consulting the doctor.
  • Eat healthy- For high cholesterol prevention

– Include grains, legumes, nuts, fresh and vegetable and fruits and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon in your diet

– Avoid high-cholesterol foods such as fast foods and processed meats. 

– Cut back on tras fats, sodium and added sugars-Use the nutrition facts label on packaged foods.  

  • Staying physically active- Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is necessary. You can even get 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. 
  • Living tobacco-free- It’s important to quit smoking if you have high cholesterol. And if you don’t smoke, don’t ever start.

Getting tested to know your heart disease risk

As high cholesterol has no symptoms, you may not know you have cholesterol problem until it is too late. Individuals should see their healthcare provider on a regular basis to undergo screenings and blood tests and know their cholesterol numbers. Risk assessment is an important aspect of heart disease prevention, which is why Making India Heartstrong website helps you calculate your individual risk of developing heart disease. Also, know your heart disease risk, steps for recovery, and more by visiting Making India Heartstrong website and keep heart diseases out of your life – for good.

FAQs-

Q. Can high cholesterol cause a heart attack?

Yes. Having high cholesterol leads to building up of fatty material in the arteries.  This buildup, which occurs over time, makes it harder for blood to flow through and leads to a heart attack.9

Q. How are ldl hdl and cholesterol related to heart disease? 

High levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol in blood can lead to buildup of artery-clogging plaque which results in heart disease. High levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q. How to know you have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms. The only way is to get your cholesterol checked. A simple blood test, called a “lipid profile,” can be done to measure your cholesterol levels.

Q. Who Needs to Get Their Cholesterol Checked?

Most adults should get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years even if they are at low risk   of developing cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes and other risk factors should get it checked more frequently.

Q. How high does your cholesterol have to be to have a heart attack?

There’s an increased risk of having a heart attack when your total cholesterol levels are 240 mg/dl and above.This unhealthy level raises the chance of blockage in the heart which may result in sudden heart attack.

 

References-
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK351/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk_factors.htm#:~:text=Butyoucantakesteps,changingthingsyoucancontrol.&text=Type2diabeteslowershigh,ofheartdiseaseandstroke.
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279318/
  6. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070918100608.htm
  7. https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/drugs#role-of-medications
  8. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/prevention.htm#:~:text=Eatinglotsoffoodshigh,(suchaspalmoil).
  9. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm#:~:text=About38%25ofAmericanadults,deathintheUnitedStates.
  10. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm
  11. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/cholesterol/index.html
Categories
Aware Care Prepare

Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease

Cholesterol is vital for the formation of healthy cells membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. It has a waxy fat like texture. However, when a high level of low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) gets accumulated in the blood vessels, it causes high cholesterol, which if left untreated can lead to the chances of developing heart disease.

So if you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you need to retool your daily routine and eating habit to make them healthier. But before we delve down to discuss a cholesterol-friendly lifestyle, let us know more about cholesterol, its types, what are the causes of high cholesterol, and how high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and heart attack chances.

Why is high cholesterol a risk for heart attack?

When there is too high level of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) or too low level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in your blood, fatty deposit builds up in the arteries thus making it narrower to carry oxygenated blood to the heart. This can cause a condition called atherosclerosis – a form of heart disease.

If total cholesterol levels reach 240 mg/dl and above, and it is left untreated for long, it raises the chance of blockage in the heart which may result in sudden heart attack.

What are the types of cholesterol and their role in heart function?

Cholesterol is primarily classified into four types:

  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or Bad Cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaque build-up in the arteries and is linked to higher risk for heart attack and stroke. For a healthy heart function, the LDL level should always be less than 100mg/dL
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or the good cholesterol is also known as the Bad Cholesterol Eater as it tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver. A healthy level of HDL (40mg/dL or higher) in the blood helps to protect against heart attack, while low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) can increase the risk of plaque build-up and heart disease.
  • Triglycerides is another form of fat found in the blood. Many heart disease patients often have a high triglyceride levels. One should always have triglyceride numbers less than 150.
  • Lipoprotein-A (Lp(a)) Cholesterol is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol that may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits. If your Lp (a) numbers are greater than the 30 mg/dL threshold, this may triple your risk of having a heart attack or stroke at an early age.

What are the factors that cause high cholesterol?

Many lifestyle factors such as smoking, consumption of diet rich in saturated and trans fat such as red meat, packaged foods like baked cookies, crackers, popcorn, soups with high sodium and sugar content, and lack of exercise, as well as presence of underlying condition, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes are the factors that contribute to your risk of high bad cholesterol.

What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?

Some warning signs of high cholesterol are extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, jaw, chest, upper abdomen, or back, and numbness or coldness at most of the time. Consult a doctor at the first sign to avoid any unwanted risk.

What is an ideal cholesterol level for a healthy heart?

For healthy functioning heart, the total cholesterol level should remain less than 200 mg/dl. While for people with heart disease, the LDL cholesterol should be always less than 70 mg/dl.

Why you should never stop your medication for high cholesterol and heart disease?

If you’re on a  high cholesterol medication, you should never stop or skip on your prescribed drugs for cholesterol or hypertension , without consulting your doctor – , as it can increase your risk for heart attack or other cardiovascular events to two-fold.

If in any circumstances you forget or fail to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it’s almost time for your next dose instead eating two doses to make up for the one you missed, start again with your regular dosing schedule with the next dose.

6 lifestyle changes to lower your high cholesterol and heart attack risk

When it comes to health, it largely depends on the lifestyle. Here’s what you should do to lower your cholesterol and heart disease risk:

  1. Exercise every day – Practicing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity a week, or a combination of both moderate and intense exercise can work wonders for your heart health.
  2. Eat mindful – To lower your cholesterol:
    • Keep a count on your calorie intake
    • Reduce consumption of saturated fats and carbohydrates to minimal.
    • Limit your sugar and sodium intake
    • Consume cholesterol-lowering foods, such as beans, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts and seeds.
    • Include foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, olives, almonds and walnuts, as well as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
  3. Minimize stress – Stress itself can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol as it leads to things like being inactive, overeating, and restlessness. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, dancing, painting, playing music or practicing any hobby of your choice helps to minimize stress.
  4. Say no to tobacco  –
  5. Limit alcohol intake – Drink only on special occasions. Make sure to follow the Dietary Guidelines of American Heart Association which recommends women to have no more than one alcoholic drink a day, while men to have no more than two drinks a day.
  6. Sleep well– A good night sleep for 6 -7 hours is essential to keep a control on your cholesterol level.

Make smart choices now to set yourself up for a balanced cholesterol and healthy heart down the road.

Categories
Causes

How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack?

How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack?

High blood pressure (HBP), a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, is usually defined when the blood pressure rises above 130/80 mg/dl. HBP is a chronic condition, and if it is left undetected or uncontrolled for a long time it can cause hypertensive heart disease and heart attack.

Read on this article to know more about the connection between hypertension and heart attack


How does high blood pressure can cause heart attack?

High blood pressure damages the wall of arteries and decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to heart, thus leading to ischemic heart disease. Reduced blood flow to the heart can cause severe chest pain, also called angina. Over a time, when blood flow gets blocked completely and the heart muscle starves of oxygen, it can lead to a heart attack.

Make sure to monitor your blood pressure regularly and if your number reads:

  • 120–129mmHg -it is elevated hypertension
  • 130–139mmHg – it’s called stage 1 hypertension
  • Top number (systolic pressure) is 140 or above, its stage 2 hypertension
  • Over 180, its considered as hypertensive crisis

Consult a doctor immediately.

What are the common symptoms of hypertension and heart attack?

Some of the common signs of high blood pressure that may lead to heart attack, includes:

  • Tightness or pressure, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest
  • Pain in the jaws, neck, back, arms, or shoulders
  • Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
  • Cold sweat
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Severe headaches
  • Nosebleed
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Blood in the urine
  • Leg or ankle swelling

What happens to your blood pressure numbers during heart attack?

Your blood pressure might rise or fall down during a heart attack because certain hormones level, such as adrenaline, fluctuate due stress or tightness in the chest. If the top number (systolic pressure) during blood pressure test is persistently above 180 or lower than 90, or your diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) is greater than 110 or lower than 50, do not delay consulting your healthcare specialist/cardiologist.

What are the causes of high blood pressure?

Blood pressure becomes high due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and it develops gradually over time. Some of the key factors that prone us to develop high blood pressure include:

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Eating too much salt (sodium) in diet
  • Lack of potassium in diet
  • Being overweight
  • Older age
  • Stress
  • Genetics
  • Smoking and tobacco chewing
  • Too much consumption of alcohol

Why healthy, fit people leading an active life get heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest?

Nowadays, those who appear fit and are particular about their diet and exercise have also been found succumbing to heart attack. Possibly due to today’s high-pressure lifestyle, heart attacks are striking more at a younger population – those in their 30s and 40s.

Researchers explain individuals having family history of cardiac disease are at risk of developing block in the artery, and are unaware of it unless they undergo cardiac scan. Sudden emotion or high intensity exercise can suddenly blocks the blood flow entirely to a portion of the heart, which leads to a sudden cardiac arrest. So if you or anyone in your family is above the age of 35, have family history of Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Cerebrovascular disease, or planning to initiate exercise program make sure to get an annual cardiac check-up done, even if no possible signs or symptoms is noted. This might help your doctor to pick up any blockage at an early stage and prevent any unwanted complications to happen.

Can high blood pressure be cured?

High blood pressure or hypertension is a chronic disease, and there is, unfortunately, no cure for it. You can only keep it in control with medication and healthy lifestyle choices.

If you’re a high blood pressure patient, you need to continue with your prescribed medicines lifelong to ward off any serious health complications like heart attack.

Make sure to take your medication as directed by the doctor and attend regular medical follow up without a fail.

What lifestyle modifications are essential to lower the risk of high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack?

Lifestyle changes you can make to keep your blood pressure numbers in control and heart attack at bay includes:

  • Shed-off extra weight and maintain your BMI to normal
  • Follow a regular exercise regimen
  • Eat a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy.
  • Reduce salt (sodium) intake to minimal
  • Say no to packaged foods like chips, cooking, or any ready to eat stuff available in market
  • Cut saturated fat intake completely
  • Limit alcohol intake to only 1 or 2 drinks a week
  • Quit smoking and tobacco chewing.
  • Cut on caffeine intake
  • Meditate or practice a hobby to reduce your stress
  • Sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours every night
  • Never miss on your high blood pressure medications
  • Go for regular health check-up

So, if you’re 18 years or above, get your blood pressure checked at least once a year to keep a check on your numbers. However, getting more frequent blood pressure readings becomes essential if you are above 40 years, have a family history of hypertension, or you’re dealing with any lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney issue, any cardiovascular risk profile or any other chronic disease – to avoid dreadful complication like heart disease or chances of sudden heart attack.

Stay aware to stay healthy!

Categories
Causes Sign Symptoms

Heart failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Heart failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

We’ve all heard of the big signs that have always been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) such as developing retinopathy, foot ulcers or amputation due to nerve damage, and about the possibility of getting kidney disease. But, there’s one prime complication of diabetes that is mostly overlooked and less-talked about, even today heart failure is a condition in which heart fails to efficiently pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Yes, in people who have T2D the chance of developing heart failure is two to four times more expected than those without diabetes.

The good news is that understanding more about the link between heart failure and diabetes can help you to protect your heart and manage your diabetes, thus preventing the worse outcomes. Let us break-down in detail the connection between heart disease and diabetes, including the leading hypothesis of why diabetes increases heart failure risk, what is heart failure. Also, learn to identify the signs of this often-forgotten complication and practical ways to reduce the risk

Diabetes and Heart disease: What’s the connection?

The link between diabetes and heart disease starts with high blood sugar levels and eventually leading to other complications. In diabetics, sugar resides in the bloodstream and can also leak out from the liver, eventually damaging the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart. Thus, in diabetics when glucose-levels are uncontrolled or fluctuate frequently, it causes heart complications.

Additionally, diabetes has some common conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high BMI index that also raise the risk for heart disease.

Heart failure and its signs and symptoms

When your heart muscle weakens to the point where it doesn’t pump enough blood to your body, heart failure occurs.

Heart failure is a slowly developing long term condition, therefore, initially no physical symptoms are observed. However, the inability of heart to pump blood around the body causes fluid to build up in tissues, and over time it leads to:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced ability to exercise
  • Swelling in legs, ankle and feet
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
  • Coughing pink, foamy mucus

Tips to reduce heart failure risk in type 2 diabetes people

To reduce your risk for heart disease, make sure to:

  • Eat a well-balanced diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, healthy fats and less in salt benefits in managing both diabetes and heart health.
  • Stay active and exercise: Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five to seven days a week may help reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol, and abdominal fat.
  • Say no to stress. Elevated stress hormones increase your blood glucose, blood pressure, and body fat levels, thus leading to complications like heart failure, sudden heart attack in diabetes patients so avoid stressing.
  • Keep your blood glucose levels in control: Eating a healthy diabetic diet, staying active, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and taking your recommended medications to maintain will help to maintain your blood sugar but also reduce associated complications.
  • Go for regular health check-up: Doctor will ask for A1C test, every three months, to assess your blood glucose levels and may also suggest other tests for proper diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, diabetics, especially, should never miss upon their routine health-checkups.
  • Take your medications without a fail: Always adhere to your prescribed medications, as directed, for hypertension, cholesterol, blood sugar. Never stop your medicines even if your numbers are in control.
  • Sleep for 7 to 8 hours every night: This may help prevent high blood pressure and high blood sugar. It’s also important for your overall well-being and energy levels, working as a miracle for people with diabetes and heart disease.
  • Stop smoking: Go for smoking cessation program and take your medications as directed.

Remember, both diabetes and heart failure have a much higher risk of worse health outcomes leading to more emergency room visits, earlier death, and overall poorer quality of life, hence make sure to always adhere to your prescribed medicines and follow-up regularly with your healthcare providers to get the treatment you need to protect your health.

Stay mindful to stay heart healthy!

 

Reference:
  1. Martín-Timón I, Sevillano-Collantes C, Segura-Galindo A, Del Cañizo-Gómez FJ. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Have all risk factors the same strength?. World J Diabetes. 2014;5(4):444-470. doi:10.4239/wjd.v5.i4.444

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