Cholesterol is a silent killer! People fear it because it can creep up on you and catch you totally unawares. This is why doctors suggest you to go in for regular checkups to avoid detrimental effects. Cholesterol leads to heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the USA, among both men and women. Over 50% of American adults are known to have above average cholesterol levels, a condition which can eventually lead to heart disease.
So your next question would be, how can this condition be treated? If your doctor detects high cholesterol levels in your blood, he would first ask you to get a lipid profile test (if you already haven’t undergone one). Based on the findings of your lipid profile, the doctor will decide the treatment plan.
In general, Heart Pacemaker:High Cholesterol Treatment options are aimed at lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. Doctors will determine the best level for reducing your chances of developing heart disease based on your lipid profile results. If your risk level is at a controllable level, your doctor would put you on a diet plan. Studies suggest lowering of dietary fat (especially saturated fat) directly affects the lowering of blood cholesterol.
Your doctor would also propose an exercise or workout plan and if needed, a weight loss plan too. If your LDL levels can be controlled by these methods and if you show good progress, you wouldn’t need drug therapy.
This ‘No Drug’ plan or as it is referred in medical terms, ‘Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes’ or TLC, is executed in three methods (as mentioned above), a low-fat diet plan, a physical activity plan or exercise routine and a weight management session.
But if your Cholesterol levels are very high and the chances of lowering them with a diet and exercise plan wouldn’t be too effective, you will need to undergo ‘Drug Therapy’, the next step in the Heart Pacemaker:High Cholesterol Treatment regime. The most favored drugs that are effective at lowering blood cholesterol and shows very minimal side effects include drugs in the Statin Family such as Mevacor, Zocor, Pravachol and Lipitor. Statin drugs are believed to be a ‘God Send’ by doctors for patients with high cholesterol levels.
Other drug types include nicotinic acid, fibric acid, bile acid sequestrants and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. These can be used alone or in combination, together with Statin drugs. The best treatment option will be decided by the doctor. Based on each individual, the drug combinations and dosages may differ. Thus it is important to consult a doctor before you start taking cholesterol lowering drugs.
Even while carrying out drug treatment, it is advisable to continue the TLC treatment. This will help minimize your drug dosage levels and help you eventually stop taking drugs completely. It is also advisable to quit any bad practices such as smoking and heavy alcohol use.
The best practice would be to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if your cholesterol levels are not in the risk free zone. A balanced diet, regular exercise and good social practices would keep you away from heart disease risk and make your life happy and carefree.
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