A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), demonstrates how early LDL cholesterol reduction, helps people protect their heart health. Research indicates that early LDL cholesterol reduction creates positive changes in heart health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their age, fitness level, or weight. Let’s dip deeper…What is LDL and why does it matterLDL is also known as the “bad cholesterol”, because it transports cholesterol to artery walls. High LDL cholesterol levels enable cholesterol to accumulate inside artery walls, which results in plaque formation, that causes blood vessel narrowing and blockage. The medical term for this process is atherosclerosis, which acts as a primary reason for heart attacks and strokes.The NEJM study demonstrates that early and aggressive LDL cholesterol reduction among high-risk patients, leads to decreased heart attack rates and cardiovascular events. The combination of PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab) with other cholesterol medications, produces substantial LDL cholesterol reduction, which results in major heart disease protection.
Understanding cholesterolNormal cholesterol is not harmful for our body, because it serves essential functions for cell membranes and hormone production. However, the process of cholesterol oxidation starts when cholesterol particles transform into their oxidized state. The toxic substance known as oxidized LDL cholesterol, triggers inflammation which damages artery walls. The process of plaque formation receives energy from this condition, while the cells’ energy-producing centers called mitochondria become damaged, which results in deteriorating heart health.When this happens, the inflammation of arteries makes them less flexible, while increasing their risk of rupturing, which results in heart attacks. The actual cause of cardiovascular disease emerges from oxidized cholesterol, rather than cholesterol itself. The process of lowering LDL cholesterol levels helps stop oxidation, which results in reduced artery inflammation and better artery health.Prevention better than cureMost people start treatment after they experience heart-related symptoms or warning signs, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Till this, artery damaged has already reached a dangerous level, and one’s heart function is compromised. However, The NEJM study, together with additional research, demonstrate that early disease monitoring and prevention methods produce the best results.People who check their LDL cholesterol levels at a young age, can start taking preventive measures before dangerous plaque develops. People who start early with lifestyle changes and medications, can reach low LDL levels, which stops harmful oxidation from occurring, and prevents heart attacks. The recommended heart health strategy according to leading medical experts involves taking proactive measures.How to reduce LDLThe first step to decrease LDL levels involves following these heart-healthy habitsDiet: Follow a diet that excludes saturated fats and trans fats, while exercising regularly, keeping your weight in check and staying away from smoking. The natural reduction of LDL levels occurs through these dietary modifications.
Keep a look out on genes: People who have heart disease in their family, or existing risk factors, need additional help to control their cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes. The new generation of cholesterol-lowering medications includes statins, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, offer strong treatment options for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Research indicates that using multiple medications together, can decrease LDL cholesterol levels by 50% or more, which leads to a substantial reduction in heart attack occurrences.Health checkups: Your doctor should perform regular health checks to track your LDL levels, and make necessary treatment changes for maintaining safe cholesterol levels.Tracking your heart healthThe practice of monitoring your cholesterol levels and heart health indicators before any health issues develop, serves as an effective strategy. The process enables doctors to use early risk detection to start necessary interventions. People who track their LDL levels from their early years of adulthood, achieve superior cardiovascular health results.The tools for monitoring heart health, include blood tests that measure LDL cholesterol, blood pressure checks and assessments of lifestyle habits. The combination of scientific advancement and innovative medical technology, makes it easier to prevent heart disease through early detection and LDL management.