“They pick up an enzyme and break it down and it doesn’t produce as much cholesterol.” This is how Argentine cardiologist Jorge Tartaglione described the action of statins, a drug that helps regulate cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
On the other hand, the cardiologist highlighted that physical activity and a healthy diet help control cholesterol levels, but in many cases they are not enough, and drug treatment is necessary.
– 30% comes from the diet, and many people have this cholesterol that is genetically produced in the liver – says Tartaglione, referring to vegetarian patients with high cholesterol.
Medicine and fake news
The large amount of fake news circulating is very disturbing. Nearly 50% of medical news is fake. There’s no doubt that cholesterol medications are good and save lives, expert says. — You go online, and they say if you take a statin it will kill you, your leg will hurt. This raises many questions. I’m concerned that many of these posts are from doctors. Why are they doing this?
Bad cholesterol and its value
Tartaglione also pointed out estimates of the LDL levels some people should have to avoid heart disease.
- Healthy person: less than 116.
- Smoker or person with high blood pressure or diabetes: less than 100 or 70
- Patient with a history of heart disease: less than 50
The doctor also explained that statins, like all medications, have harmful effects.
It is concluded that in 1% of cases, it causes muscle pain.
Furthermore, the doctor also explained that statins, like all medications, have harmful effects.
– In 1% of cases, it causes muscle pain.
Foods to prevent cholesterol
According to experts, the best foods are those of plant origin, because they contain high levels of fiber, a macronutrient that helps eliminate toxins from the body. A report from Harvard University highlights that US Dietary Guidelines recommend a daily fiber intake of between 20 and 30 grams.
Recommended intake of: whole grains, green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, oilseeds and fruits.
High cholesterol in half of Argentina
In Argentina, according to the Fourth National Survey of Risk Factors, about 40% of people over 18 years of age have high total cholesterol. Cardiologist Analia Aquiri, from the Hospital de Clínicas of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), says:
— Because there are generally no immediate symptoms due to high cholesterol, various guidelines around the world suggest initial monitoring between the ages of 6 and 11 and then between the ages of 17 and 21. In any case, it is important to highlight that the presence of a family history of hereditary cholesterol diseases, or cardiovascular diseases at an early age, makes it necessary to control the levels of this substance over shorter periods of time. The cardiovascular risk of each patient must be taken into account; For those with low risk, re-evaluation is recommended every three years until the fourth decade of life, and annually thereafter.
Risk of high levels of harmful LDL cholesterol
- arteriosclerosis: This component accumulates in the walls of the arteries and can lead to blockages, as well as causing heart disease or strokes.
- Coronary heart disease: It can cause severe chest pain, known as angina, which leads to difficulty breathing.
- StrokePain or numbness may be observed in one arm or on one side of the body, in addition to dizziness or difficulty communicating.
- Peripheral arterial disease: It causes constant pain in the legs when walking.
- Xanthomas: Yellow spots may appear around the eyes.