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Cholesterol is a natural substance that the body produces through the liver. It’s waxy and circulates through the bloodstream, feeding the heart and brain. But when cholesterol is derived from foods like saturated fats and trans fats, the body overproduces LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol.
HDL is the “good” cholesterol our bodies crave. Without HDL, our brains would not function properly, and we would suffer from other bodily disorders, like heart attacks and strokes. HDL helps to remove the bad cholesterol (LDL) from the body. High levels of LDL may also adversely affect overall health by causing atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
Cholesterol Numbers:
Your total cholesterol is made up of both LDL and HDL numbers. Your doctor may order tests in order to check your numbers. The healthiest combination of both types of cholesterol measures HDL, good cholesterol,) around 40, and LDL, bad cholesterol,) around 100.
Risk Factors:
Cholesterol, along with triglycerides in the blood, can form atherosclerosis, which is the plaque that builds up in the arteries. Excessive plaque can increase the chances of a coronary heart attack, heart disease, stroke and other related issues. Triglycerides are the fat that is stored in the bloodstream from the excess fat in our diets. Triglycerides combine with the high LDL level and create harmful plaque buildup.
Diet & Exercise:
Because high levels of LDL and triglycerides are both associated with food intake and the body’s inability to burn fat, adopting healthier habits can help lower cholesterol naturally.
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking (contributes to atherosclerosis)
• Start a regular exercise program
• Cut back on alcohol
• Reduce or eliminate processed foods
Schedule an annual exam with your physician to check your cholesterol levels on a regular basis. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower the overall cholesterol levels. In addition to medication, a change in diet can help to decrease LDL and Triglycerides, as well as raise your HDL to optimum levels.
Incorporate Healthy Foods and Nutrients in Your Diet
A significant contributor to successfully lowering LDL is the addition of soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFAs), powerful antioxidants and lutein, to your diet. However, in order to see the benefit of ultimately lowering bad cholesterol, an overall healthy diet must be maintained. This includes decreasing, and in some cases, completely eliminating processed foods from your diet. Cholesterol lowering foods can drop your bad cholesterol levels by 5-10% within a few weeks; your cardiologist can speak with you about a personalized dietary plan.
Medications:
The most common cholesterol lowering drugs are statins. In recent years there have been other medication developments that may help to lower your total cholesterol levels. Cholesterol lowering drugs are often needed to help reduce and balance cholesterol levels, when lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are not enough.
It’s best to speak with your physician before changing your diet or exercise program. Your doctor will develop a strategy to suit your specific needs, along with a coordinated medication and lifestyle strategy.
Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County
At the Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County, we take your heart health personally. Our physicians have served the community for more than 25 years. Combining state-of-the-art medical technology with compassionate care, our goal is to prevent and treat heart-related illnesses so you can live a long and heart-healthy life.
Are you predisposed, based on lifestyle or biology, to heart related conditions? Allow our physicians to assess your heart health and recommend the best course of action. Thanks to decades long relationships forged with local hospitals, our patients receive top care and patient admission is smooth and seamless.
Our commitment to patient health extends long after you are discharged from the hospital. We believe that following up with patients is critical to ensuring your future health.
The physicians and team at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all of our patients using cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art practices.
Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County offers numerous diagnostic imaging services including the following:
. PET Scan
. Nuclear Stress Test
. Echocardiogram
. Carotid Ultrasound
. Vascular Ultrasound
. Electrocardiogram
Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County offers numerous procedures including the following:
. Pacemaker implantation
. Balloon Stenting
. Angioplasty
. Vein Ablation
. Coronary Catheterization
. Angiography
Our team of experienced cardiologists provide top-of-the line, compassionate care to patients who are in need of cardiac surgery. You deserve the best, and we are the best.
Put your heart in good hands at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County.
Adina M. Ion M.D.
352-742-1171
LRMC Medical Plaza
705 Doctors Court
Leesburg, FL 32748
