Statin : which have significant effects on heart health, are the prescription of choice for 47 million Americans on a daily basis for lowering cholesterol. When there is too much of a wax-like substance called cholesterol in the blood, statins can help eliminate it and reduce the liver’s ability to produce more. It prevents cholesterol from forming arterial plaque, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Still, the decision to take a statin can be challenging. Many people are concerned about the idea of taking statins permanently or the possibility of adverse consequences. For some people, diet and exercise are the preferred methods of treatment.

”We know that if you have heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis, statins, if tolerated, are necessary.” The question of who should take statins for preventive purposes is one that has been further refined. Going.” Additionally, he mentions that several studies have shown that statins are not only safe, but also beneficial for certain populations.

That many patients stop taking their statins because they do not understand the purpose of the medication, even if it is prescribed for life.

In addition to a lipid profile (or “lipid panel”), which is a blood test that analyzes cholesterol levels, it may be necessary to undergo further evaluation and medical procedures to make an informed decision if your cholesterol levels are elevated. Could.

What is cholesterol, and why might you need a statin for it?

Atherosclerosis, a disease that forms when plaque builds up in the arteries made up of cholesterol, lipids, red blood cells and other components in the blood, is mostly caused by cholesterol. When a waxy, fat-like substance accumulates in the middle layer of the vessel wall an inflammatory response may begin. Inflammatory debris can accumulate and eventually get into the area of the vessel where blood is flowing, blocking blood flow.” This can lead to heart attack and stroke, which can also cause chest pain.

Dietary cholesterol is present in animal products such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and some types of seafood; Blood cholesterol is produced by the liver and is necessary for activities including digesting fatty foods and hormone production.

Diet alone is not enough to bring cholesterol levels back to normal, but cutting back on food can help in some cases. “The blood vessels of some of us absorb more cholesterol than others, and some of us make more cholesterol than others, based on genetics. Some people may be surprised to hear that food and exercise Despite the best efforts of the government, they have high cholesterol.

How do you know if you have high cholesterol?

Symptoms of high cholesterol are uncommon, but a lipid profile can reveal the presence and severity of the condition. For 8 to 12 hours before the blood test, it is recommended that you avoid consuming anything except water. (The test determines cholesterol levels in a certain amount of blood by measuring them in milligrams per deciliter of blood [mg/dL]).

Lipid profile results for adults 20 and older include the following measures:

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol:This type of cholesterol is referred to as “good” cholesterol because it carries excess cholesterol in the blood to the liver, where it is eliminated. In women, a level of 50 mg/dL or more is considered healthy, while in men, it is 40 mg/dL or above.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol:It’s also known as “bad” cholesterol because it obstructs HDL, which is beneficial for your heart, and it helps plaque accumulate in your arteries. Less than 100 mg/dL is considered a healthy result.

Total cholesterol:The total cholesterol level in your blood, including HDL and LDL, is this. The normal range is between 125 and 200 mg/dL.

Triglycerides:Calories that aren’t used right away are turned into triglycerides and stored in the cells by the body. People with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or high cholesterol levels often have elevated triglycerides. Less than 150 is considered a healthy number.

Cholesterol screenings should be done every four to six years for healthy adults, more frequently for those with diabetes, heart disease, or a history of high cholesterol in their family, according to the CDC.

Can lifestyle changes bring down your cholesterol?

Doctors may propose lifestyle changes and a follow-up lipid panel every few months for patients who have high cholesterol levels but whose 10-year risk is moderate. Eating more heart-healthy foods like produce, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish and chicken should be part of an overall lifestyle change. This is often called a plant-based diet or the Mediterranean diet (in the case of vegetarians).

Patients can control their weight and health problems such as diabetes by getting more exercise, cutting out or cutting out alcohol and smoking.

If these modifications do not eliminate the need, it may be appropriate to recommend a lower dose of the statin. “Success may depend on the patient’s starting point,” he says, elaborating on how patients who undergo substantial lifestyle adjustments often see the most remarkable results.