Heart disease remains the number one killer in the US despite advancements in emergency and long term care of heart patients. Unfortunately, cholesterol plays a large part in heart disease. There is a growing consensus that lowering so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL) is just not enough to fight plaque buildup in the heart. While LDL cholesterol clogs up the arteries, HDL, the "good" cholesterol actually removes the plaque from the arteries. Studies have shown that HDL causes regression of arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) over the years. In a sense, HDL acts as a snow plow by removing plaque from the heart arteries. Therefore, a lower number of bad cholesterol and a higher number of the good cholesterol are desired.
The latest guidelines recommend that anyone who has known heart disease (CAD) should have an LDL level of 70mg per dL or less. For males, HDL levels should be greater than 40 and for females the levels should be greater than 50. However, with HDL, more is better.
There are many factors which cause low HDL levels. Some are genetic while others are acquired. The acquired factors include: physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking. People who are obese, especially those with abdominal obesity, generally have lower levels of HDL.
How can HDL levels be raised? Besides medications, certain measures can be taken to raise HDL levels including:
· Increasing physical activity
· Losing weight
· Avoiding tobacco products
· Avoiding fatty food
If these measures don’t bring HDL levels up, medication should be considered. For more information on cholesterol and heart disease factors, call 573-629-3300.
By: Pervez Alvi, MD
Hannibal Regional Medical Group