by Mona Gallagher

Created on: August 07, 2007

Cardiovascular disease is America's number one killer. High levels of cholesterol in the human body present an imminent danger because of how excess cholesterol behaves in the bloodstream. When the body processes it efficiently, it is carried to, and absorbed by cells for use in the body.

If excess cholesterol remains in the bloodstream, it gets deposited in the arteries and then attaches to the lining of the arteries. The buildup, called plaque, narrows and hardens the arteries and constricts the blood flow to the heart. The arteries appear, as a rusty pipe might appear where the rust is contained on the inner lining. A heart attack and death can result if the cholesterol isn't brought to desirable levels.

Other risk factors exist with high cholesterol, but CHD, (coronary heart disease) presents the biggest challenge to patients, and physicians alike, with elevated levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL. The level must be brought down to a level where it no longer presents a high risk for heart disease.

Cholesterol is a vital substance that is made by the liver. Cholesterol is needed to insulate nerves, make cell membranes and produce certain hormones and it is a precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, the sex hormones.

We receive about 75% of our cholesterol from our body's own production and about 25% from dietary sources.

Cholesterol Management

People who are diagnosed with high cholesterol are helped to develop strategies on how to bring down the levels. If no other risks are present, usually TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) is implemented to bring the level to the set goal. For this group, the goal would be 160 or less for total cholesterol. Persons with 2 or more risks present will have a goal level of 130 or less, and major risk patients have a goal of 100 or less for total cholesterol.

Cholesterol medication may be introduced at any stage of risk factors as the physician and patient agree, but generally it comes in the second stage that presents more risks of developing CHD. The NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) has established guidelines for introduction of cholesterol- lowering medication.

There is no one size fits all' treatment in the management of high cholesterol. Many factors are taken into consideration. Statins (Lipitor, Crestor, Zorcor) might be introduced to assist in managing high cholesterol. If major risks are present, more drugs may be needed to help a patient meet their cholesterol goal. Cholesterol levels must be monitored periodically by means of a Lipid profile test.

The important thing to remember is that high cholesterol should be diagnosed and treated before it puts your heart at risk. Persons age 21 and above should be tested for high cholesterol every 5 years.

Source:
http://Americanheart.org

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