Cholesterol
Latest articles on Cholesterol
Experts predict the growing weight problem sets kids up for cardiovascular problems, Type 2 diabetes and even cancer, not to mention behavioral problems and learning disabilities. It alarms Melissa A. Kalt, MD.
"Exercise is a key component in raising HDL cholesterol," notes Dierdre Faust, MD. "In order to raise the HDL cholesterol, exercise needs to be regular and vigorous."
"Sometimes it's a struggle for patients and their physicians to keep up with constantly changing dietary guidelines," says Joan Neuner, MD, MPH. "Patients are understandably confused. But I try to tell them that nothing dramatic has really changed."
Humans possess a great deal of brain reserve, says Piero G. Antuono, MD. This gives us the ability to maintain good cognitive function even as disease breaks down delicate tissues and vessels.
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend for or against CoQ10, but there does not seem to be any harm in supplementation, notes Dr. Deirdre Faust.
"The good news is that these findings should pave the way for a new generation of treatments," noted Ahmed Kissebah, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics.
"Each specific scenario requires its own study to show whether the stent is better or the pills are better, and nothing supersedes clinical judgment by an experienced cardiologist for the heart and an experienced neurologist for the brain."
A lipid profile provides information about the amounts four types of fats in the blood. The ideal range for each person depends on individual risk factors, including conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Dr. Shane Phillips has observed that many diets work in the beginning because they are designed around rapid weight reduction. "But typically," he cautions, "it is difficult to maintain the same rate of weight loss for long."
"While some cholesterol is needed for good health, too much of it can be a serious problem," says Paul E. Knudson, MD. But many people don't know their cholesterol level is too high until they develop symptoms of heart disease.
"Fluctuating levels of glucose harm the cells that line the capillaries of the eye. Over time, these vessels close off or become incompetent in playing their proper role in clear vision," says Dr. Dennis Han. The result? Diabetic retinopathy.
Many factors can influence the course of coronary artery disease, says Dr. David Marks, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. These include smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, exercise, and weight.
Once a person has significant narrowing of an artery to the heart, the choice of the appropriate intervention depends on a number of related factors.
Dr. Julie Mitchell answers questions about cholesterol and blood pressure medications. Newer, she says, is not always better.
"The research has continued to evolve and demonstrate that, particularly in the higher risk patients, the lower the LDL cholesterol, the better outcomes we're going to have for our patients," says Dr. David Marks.
I wonder if our culture has become so accustomed to heart disease that an immunity has developed to the messages about its serious and life-threatening nature.
Dr. Michael Cinquegrani says people should consult their physicians if they have concerns about their coronary arteries: "Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent a life-threatening heart attack."
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of interrelated conditions that can severely damage health, is dramatically on the rise. Ahmed H. Kissebah, MD, PhD, one of the world's leading researchers on the topic, discusses its impact.
Recent research now suggests that statins cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about 30% in almost all individuals. Dr. Julie Mitchell discusses benefits and drawbacks.
"I don't think this study was a big surprise," said M. Ammar Hatahet, MD, MPH, FACP. "Previous studies have shown that at every level, lowering LDL further reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke."
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