He cholesterol It is a fat-like substance that is present in all the cells of our body. It is essential to produce hormones, vitamin D, bile and certain substances that help us digest food.
There are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. LDL - low-density lipoproteins in its acronym in English - can cause arteriosclerosis: by sticking to the arteries, it accumulates in the lining of arteries and veins and blocks blood flow, causing heart attacks, angina, sudden death or heart attacks. brain (also known as embolisms or strokes). For its part, HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins, separates cholesterol from the blood and returns it to the liver.
In a conference organized by Daiichi Sankyo during the congress of the European Society of Cardiology, which has just closed in Barcelona (Spain), has once again insisted that LDL cholesterol levels should be as low as possible. Dr. Xavier García-Moll is head of cardiology hospitalization at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau de Barcelona – IIB Sant Pau and emphasizes that LDL cholesterol is the only known risk factor “ which should be reduced to a minimum. An example is that people who have genetic mutations that reduce cholesterol from birth have a 40% reduction in the risk of heart attack and other problems in their 40s. Therefore, it is important to greatly reduce cholesterol from those ages because, for the first time in history, we can reverse arterial disease. Therefore, we must try to do it sooner, if possible, to reduce the number of heart attacks, surgeries, hospitalizations and deaths.”
In addition, treatments are beginning to be developed to reduce other lipids, such as lipoprotein A or triglycerides.
There are various actions that are harmful to cholesterol, which should be avoided because they increase the risk:
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Dont move
- Follow an unhealthy diet, without fruits and vegetables
For this reason, Dr. García-Moll emphasizes that it is essential incorporate healthy lifestyle habits from childhood. For example, eliminating harmful foods from school vending machines, changing them for fruit and vegetables.
Health policies can also be very effective. For example:
- In Finland, ischemic heart disease (narrowing of the heart arteries) has been reduced by 80% thanks to national legislation
- In the state of New York (and other states in the USA) the amount of salt in packaged foods and in meals has been reduced by law, with a direct impact on health
- Anti-smoking laws in many countries and regions have also reduced the number of heart attacks, acute lung edema, hospitalizations for heart failure, and deaths.
A solution that has been proposed in Congress has been the implementation of screening programs for high cholesterol in children. For the cardiologist, this measure is complicated, because there are no treatments in some cases. “ But, with a blood test, cholesterol should be controlled from the age of 18 and in children if there is a family history.”
When should the medication be used?
- If LDL cholesterol levels reach the high levels indicated by clinical practice guidelines (above 115 mm/dl), treatment with medications is indicated.
- However, before any treatment, the patient will be chosen to improve their healthy activities (quit smoking, drinking, eating better, moving more) so that cholesterol can be lowered.
- Cholesterol control reduces the number of heart attacks, ischemia, heart failure, heart disease, transplants, diabetes, hypertension, leg amputations, cerebral infarctions…
- Coordination between the cardiologist and the family doctor is essential to optimize treatment
PRONAPRESA
"Because prevention is better than cure"
