Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, remain a significant public health concern.
High LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, yet many heart attack and stroke survivors are unaware of its significance.
A 2023 survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association highlights the lack of awareness regarding LDL cholesterol among these individuals.
Key Findings
The survey involved heart attack and stroke survivors, with 70% of them unaware that LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as ‘bad cholesterol.’
Despite 75% of respondents reporting high cholesterol, only 49% recognized the need to prioritize lowering their cholesterol.
The American Heart Association is running the “Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now” initiative to encourage people to have their cholesterol levels checked by their healthcare providers.
Among those surveyed, 69% had heard of LDL cholesterol, but 47% were unaware of their specific LDL number.
LDL cholesterol plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
While 65% of respondents correctly believed that high cholesterol posed a moderate to high risk of heart attacks and strokes, more education is needed to help survivors understand the specific risks associated with LDL cholesterol.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Joseph C. Wu, American Heart Association volunteer president, emphasized the lack of awareness about bad cholesterol’s impact on cardiovascular health, emphasizing that it often has no symptoms, leaving many individuals unaware of their risk.
Dr. Paul Burton, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Amgen, highlighted the importance of knowing one’s LDL cholesterol number, especially for those who have experienced heart attacks or strokes.
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association, stressed that knowledge is power when it comes to managing cardiovascular risk.
Routine cholesterol checks, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, cholesterol-lowering medications are essential components of heart health.
The survey results underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and understanding of LDL cholesterol among heart attack and stroke survivors.
Education about the risks associated with high LDL cholesterol, coupled with regular cholesterol checks and appropriate interventions, can significantly reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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