Information

Cardiovascular diseases, of which atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are a main component, are responsible for over 4 million deaths in Europe every year. They kill more women than men, although cardiovascular death cases under the age of 65 are more common in men.

The importance of preventing dyslipidemia remains undeniable and must be demonstrated to the entire population by promoting a healthy lifestyle, as well as at an individual level by opposing unhealthy lifestyles and by reducing elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors, such as LDL ("bad cholesterol") levels or blood pressure.

Testing of lipids and lipoproteins is used to assess the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and as a guide in treatment decision-making. Traditionally, it is recommended to take blood for lipid analysis while fasting.

In order to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults, the importance of lowering LDL for prevention is strongly emphasized. Data from epidemiological studies show that a higher consumption of fruits, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, vegetable oils, and whole grains, along with a lower intake of red and processed meats, foods high in refined carbohydrates and salt, is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease complications. Replacing animal fats, including dairy fat, with plant sources of fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Weight reduction increases HDL ("good cholesterol") levels - for every kilogram of body weight reduction, after stabilization of the reduced weight, an increase of 0.01 mmol/L is observed.

Aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking of 25-30 km per week (or any equivalent activity), can raise HDL-C levels by 0.08-0.15 mmol/L (3.1-6 mg/dL).

Quitting smoking can also contribute to an increase in HDL. Moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable for those who drink alcoholic beverages, provided that triglyceride levels are not elevated. Quitting smoking leads to distinct benefits with regard to overall cardiovascular risk and specifically on HDL levels.

When elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and low levels of HDL are found, a consultation with a cardiologist is necessary in order to determine the risk of cardiovascular complications and initiate statin therapy. Statins reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver through competitive inhibition of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which limits cholesterol biosynthesis.

Therapy is individual for each patient, depending on the existing accompanying diseases and the risk category into which the patient falls, and for all patients with elevated cholesterol levels, it always begins with a change in lifestyle.

Author: Dr. Sibel Kafalieva, Cardiologist