Is it necessary to reduce cholesterol: a cardiologist gave a clear answer and dispelled a common myth about statins – many will be surprised

Few people know this

Doctor of medical sciences, professor, cardiologist Philip Kopylov in a conversation with Komsomolskaya Pravda publication, he explained whether everyone needs to reduce “bad” cholesterol. An expert has revealed a common myth about statins.

According to the doctor, there may be two people with high cholesterol standing in front of us. In this case, one should be treated and prescribed appropriate medications, and the second can be left alone.

As Kopylov explained, scientists came to this conclusion after a recent study. Medicines, including statins, seem to affect everyone differently. If they treat a very sick person from a high-risk group, they will definitely bring benefits and reduce cardiovascular risks. However, if you prescribe bad drugs to a very healthy person, there will be no improvement, but there may be side effects.

The professor emphasized that the doctor must determine which patients with high cholesterol need treatment and which do not. This requires an assessment of all factors. For example, a person under the age of 45 for men and under the age of 55 for women without obesity, hypertension, bad habits, diabetes and atherosclerotic plaques in the neck vessels does not even need to reduce high cholesterol.

However, if the patient has hypertension, obesity, diabetes, bad habits or heart problems, the level of “bad” cholesterol must be reduced to at least 1.8 mmol/l, taking in with the help of medicine.

Philip Kopylov noted that being male a priori increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important for men to monitor their health and cholesterol from the age of 35, if they have obesity, diabetes and bad habits, or from the age of 45, if they are not. It is important for a woman to pay special attention to her health after 50-55 years, depending on the risk factors.

The doctor said that even if a healthy person starts to eat fatty food and lead an unstable lifestyle, over time he becomes a high-risk group and needs to reduce cholesterol. Therefore, physical activity and a healthy diet are also important.

Reference: Cholesterol levels can be stable or unstable. Stable ones grow slowly and do not fall. Unstable ones can disintegrate and cause serious circulatory problems, leading to heart attacks and strokes. To avoid such situations, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, give up bad habits, bring your weight back to normal, ensure regular physical activity and take include lots of vegetables, fruits and sea fish in your diet.

Let us remind you that this article is for information purposes only and requires specialist advice.

Previous edition of “Khibiny” reportedwhat Dr. Myasnikov called a drink that helps lower cholesterol.