High Blood Cholesterol

  High levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream is recognized as a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis (accumulation of plaque in the walls of the arteries that can cause blockages and reduce blood flow to an organ) and is, therefore, also a key risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the United States, CAD is responsible for about 500,000 deaths each year.

The American Heart Association estimates that about 100 million Americans have total cholesterol levels between 200-239 mg/dL (defined as borderline high) and at least 40 million Americans have total cholesterol levels greater than 240 mg/dL (defined as high). These finding indicate that, based on levels of total cholesterol, at least 140 million people in the U.S. are at moderate to high risk for developing CAD.

In general, there are two types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):

  • carries most of the cholesterol in the bloodstream
  • commonly called bad cholesterol because too much LDL in the bloodstream can cause blocked arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL):

  • commonly called good cholesterol
  • HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and, thereby, prevents plaque accumulation in the arteries

Another type of fat (lipid) produced by the body and also found in certain foods is known as triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream also increase the risk for developing coronary artery disease. To reduce the risk of CAD, it is important for people to maintain optimal blood levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides. This can usually be accomplished by a variety of lifestyle strategies such as:

• Maintaining optimal weight
• Minimizing dietary intake of foods that are rich in cholesterol and fats
• Avoidance of smoking
• Getting regular exercise
• Cholesterol-lowering medications (if necessary)

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• What are the risk factors of High Blood Cholesterol?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in High Blood Cholesterol research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

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