The Importance of LDL Cholesterol
You’ve probably heard about cholesterol and its role in heart health, but did you know there’s a “bad” type that could put you at risk?
A new survey from the American Heart Association, done by The Harris Poll, shows that 70% of people who have had a heart attack or stroke don’t know that LDL cholesterol is the “bad” kind.
This is important because having high levels of LDL cholesterol increases your risk for more heart problems.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The survey revealed that although 75% of heart attack and stroke survivors know they have high cholesterol, only half of them think it’s crucial to lower it.
Why You Should Know Your LDL Levels
LDL cholesterol, which stands for Low-Density Lipoprotein, can clog your arteries. This makes it harder for blood to flow, and that puts you at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Joseph C. Wu, a leading heart doctor and a volunteer with the American Heart Association, says that many people don’t know they have high LDL levels because there usually aren’t any symptoms.
Amgen Inc., a biotechnology company, is partnering with the American Heart Association to encourage everyone to check their cholesterol levels.
According to the survey, nearly all the heart attack and stroke survivors said they’d be willing to get a blood test if their doctor recommended it.
Paul Burton, a medical officer at Amgen, says it’s alarming that almost half of the people who’ve already had a heart attack or stroke don’t even know their LDL levels.
Knowing this number is the first step in preventing more health problems down the line.
What Should You Do?
For adults 20 or older with low risk, the American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
After age 40, you should also get an assessment to find out your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, you may need to get checked more often.
While most survivors know that high cholesterol is risky, more education is needed about the specific dangers of high LDL levels.
Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, another volunteer with the American Heart Association, emphasizes that knowledge is power. If you know your LDL level, you can take steps to lower it.
How Can You Lower Your LDL?
The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your cholesterol. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and not using tobacco are good places to start.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, especially for those who have had a heart attack or stroke, medication might be the next step.
Various drugs like statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and others can help control your cholesterol levels. But the first step is talking to your doctor about getting tested.
The American Heart Association and Amgen are working together to make sure people know about their LDL levels and how to lower them.
It’s a message they’re trying to get across through their Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now initiative.
So, if you’re concerned about your heart health, now is a great time to check your cholesterol and speak with your healthcare provider about your options. After all, the more you know, the healthier your heart can be.
If you care about health, please read studies about what you need to know about the diabetes drug metformin, and people with diabetes should consider taking this vitamin.
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