Heart disease is the health condition with the highest mortality rate. It is a chronic disease often caused by high cholesterol. The American College of Cardiology and other medical organizations now recommend earlier treatments for individuals with high cholesterol to improve their health and reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, writes Leana Wen in the Washington Post.
New guidelines look at long-term risk. They study blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and risk of diabetes. People with higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are more likely to have heart attacks and stroke. And, the earlier, they manage their LDL levels, the better.
About one in 20 Americans have high levels of lipoprotein. They are as much as three times more likely to have heart disease than others.
Some people have little short-term risk but a high long-term risk. For that reason they should seriously consider treatment to lower their LDL sooner. If they act sooner, they can reduce the speed of plaque building up in their arteries and the likelihood of high LDL that can cause stroke and heart attacks.
Everyone should get screened for LDL early. You should not wait until your forties. Even kids should be tested if there’s a family history. And teenagers without family histories should be tested every five years. If you have a high LDL level, it might be advisable to start treating it when you’re 30.
Statins are the most common treatment for high LDL levels. They are highly effective and low-cost. Other treatments are also available if you can’t take statins. Fish oil and other supplements are not an alternative treatment. Of course a healthy diet, exercise, a good weight, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol also help.
Check out the PREVENT calculator to better understand your risk.
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- What is a silent heart attack?
- More proof aspirin helps prevent heart attacks and stroke
- Advil and Aleve increase risk of stroke and heart attack
- Advil v. Tylenol: Which to take and when?
