Photo: pixabay.com
Cholesterol is often sidelined in health discussions because it is often associated with negative health effects. But cholesterol is actually an essential substance for the functioning of the body. As in general when we talk about health we talk about balance and not extremes, high cholesterol levels can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in both women and men.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty fraction, of the lipid type, found in the blood and in all cells of the human body. It is essential for the formation of cell membranes, the production of hormones and the synthesis of vitamin D. Although cholesterol is indispensable for a healthy body, high levels can contribute to the development of atheromatous plaques, fatty deposits that can clog arteries and lead to the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, popularly known as “bad cholesterol” and HDL cholesterol, “good cholesterol”. High LDL-cholesterol is the culprit for health problems, while HDL-cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood by transporting it to the liver for disposal.
What can we do?
Monitoring the cholesterol levels of adults is extremely important, especially because the pace of modern life often pushes us towards not the healthiest food choices and more towards sedentarism and lack of regular physical activity. For many patients with mildly elevated LDL cholesterol levels, lifestyle changes may be enough to reduce cardiovascular risk. These changes include adopting a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil and nuts. Cutting back on saturated and trans fats, such as those found in baked goods and fast food, is also essential. Regular physical activity and quitting smoking are also important factors.
If a patient’s cholesterol levels are high and lifestyle changes are not enough, the doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs and, after monitoring the effectiveness of these drugs, adjust doses or decide to change therapy if necessary.
There are several treatment options available, the best known being statin therapy. These are drugs that reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver and improve the body’s ability to remove LDL-cholesterol from the blood. These drugs are often prescribed to patients with high cholesterol levels or at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sometimes a combination of drugs is needed to get cholesterol levels under control, and then two drugs that work through different mechanisms of action are generally combined to lower LDL-cholesterol levels.
Seek advice from health professionals
Physicians and pharmacists have a responsibility to educate patients about medication side effects, proper administration, and the need for regular monitoring of cholesterol levels. They can also offer advice on managing lifestyle changes and answer questions about treatment, so don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations.
Valentina Ghimpau
Health from Primary Pharmacist,
Thank you for reading me again!
2023-09-07 02:15:00
#Cholesterol #friend #foe #primary #care #pharmacists #perspective
