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HOLISTIC APPROACH TO MANAGING CHOLESTEROL FOR BETTER HEART HEALTH
Today , atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ( ASCVD ) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide . The World Health Organization global estimates that over 15 million people die from ASCVD every year , accounting for 85 % of global cardiovascular deaths . Worryingly , the Malaysian ASCVD patient are on average ten years younger than those in advanced countries , with 25 % of cases being below the age of 50 .
A key contributor to ASCVD is a condition known as hyperlipidaemia ( excessive lipids in the blood ), or it ’ s more common term high cholesterol . When uncontrolled , high cholesterol levels can cause cardiovascular problems such as chest pain or heart attacks .
High cholesterol is a ‘ symptomless ’ and invisible condition . Many of us don ’ t even realise it . No matter how fit and healthy you feel , it is a good idea to find out your cholesterol numbers . As a general principle , it is advised to maintain an ideal LDL-c level range between 1.4 - 2.6mmol / L based on your risk level .
What is cholesterol ? Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the body ’ s cells . Cholesterol comes in two forms . Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ), also known as bad cholesterol and highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ), and has several useful functions , including helping to build cells and produce hormones .
A less commonly known fact is that the liver produces 70- 80 % of the body ’ s cholesterol , while the remainder comes from diet , primarily from the consumption of animal products .
The term high cholesterol is often used to describe a condition where too much LDL-C circulating in the blood may lead to the clogging-up of arteries , which in turn , may increase the risk of heart disease or stroke .
Malaysians often assume that embracing a healthy lifestyle alone can keep their cholesterol levels in check and prevent heart disease . While eating healthy and exercising regularly are always important to preserving one ’ s general health , a more comprehensive approach is required when it comes to managing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease .
Mitigating the risk of heart disease When it comes to managing cholesterol , physicians often categorize a patient ’ s risk factors into modifiable and nonmodifiable .
Modifiable risk factors are those that allow a person to reduce or control the risk of developing cardiovascular disease . These include making behavioural or lifestyle changes such as eating healthier , exercising more and quit smoking .
Non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be changed and it is out of one ’ s control . These include age , gender , race and genetics . If a person has family members who have heart disease or high cholesterol , it is quite likely that the person may be predisposed to developing the same . Familial hypercholesterolemia ( FH ) a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 250 people , can increase one ’ s likelihood of having coronary heart disease at a young age . FH is caused by an inherited mutated gene that affects the way the body regulates and removes cholesterol from the blood .
That is why , even if you are not overweight , highly active and are extremely cautious of what you eat , you can still be predisposed to having high cholesterol that can lead to ASCVD .
Being pro-active is key to prevention A pro-active prevention mindset is a must to mitigate the risk of ASCVD .
The step to take is to get educated and informed . Misperception of the disease is one of the main reasons for the high prevalence of ASCVD in Malaysia . Do be mindful that your information comes from a credible source .
Checking tabs on your cholesterol levels on a regular basis is ideal as this disease is ‘ symptomless ’. Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years . Some people , such as people who have heart disease , diabetes , or a family history of high cholesterol , need to get their cholesterol checked more often .
If you have high cholesterol or hyperlipidaemia , proactive and holistic management it is critical . It is important to note that cholesterol needs to be treated to target . Positive lifestyle and behaviour changes combined with medication have been proven effective . There are also innovative therapies that can reduce LDL-C levels both effectively and conveniently and have been shown to be successful in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events . However , it is just as important that medication must be taken as per doctor ’ s advice as lack of follow-through or ‘ selfdetermined ’ medication may have negative consequences .
If you want to mitigate your risk of ASCVD now , talk to your doctor today .
Dr Yew Kuan Leong Consultant Cardiologist at Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 5 | 2024
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