Every now and again, I have to sideline my witty, motivational, inspirational blogs for a dose of reality. Let’s cut the chit chat and get down to brass tacks. How is your cholesterol???
WAKE UP CALL
I humbly use myself as the example today. At a recent routine visit with my healthcare provider, my blood tests revealed my LDL (bad cholesterol) was slightly high. Wakeup call!
REALLY?
Me, who watches what she eats (well, most of the time), deprives herself (well, some of the time) and works out 5 days a week. REALLY? Yep, really. A suggestion was to take medication, which frankly, I wanted nothing to do with. I was reminded that losing a little weight and modifying my lifestyle can really make a difference in my cholesterol level.
WHY IS CHOLESTEROL THE BAD GUY?
Let me share what I learned from WebMD. Cholesterol plaque (the medical term is atherosclerosis) can be the cause of heart disease. Plaque begins in the artery walls and grow slowly and painlessly throughout the years. It can block blood flow in the arteries. Worse, cholesterol plaque can suddenly rupture. The blood clot that forms over the rupture can causes a heart attack or stroke. Blocked arteries caused by plaque buildup and blood clots are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Reducing cholesterol and other risk factors can help prevent cholesterol plaque from forming.
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The bad news is that atherosclerosis and cholesterol plaque is progressive, meaning, they get worse with time. The good news is it is preventable. Reducing risk factors can slow or stop the process. Eat a healthy diet loaded with lean protein and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Get frequent exercise and stop smoking.
HEART ATTACK AND STROKE
Although these suggestions won’t unclog arteries, they do lower the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Some studies show that with aggressive treatment, cholesterol plaque can even shrink slightly.
THE OTHER GOOD NEWS IS…
If you have concerns about your health due to genetics or just some poor lifestyle choices, we have people who can help you determine what is going on and what you can do. Here at HDD, we have expert echocardiographers who can perform a non-invasive ultrasound exam of your heart (echocardiogram) to help determine if you might have coronary artery disease, aneurysm, enlarged cardiac muscle, valve problems, chamber abnormalities or inflammation.
If you have questions or concerns about your heart or any other symptom that ultrasound can help diagnose, feel free to call us at 505-350-3397.