How High Cholesterol Leads to Atherosclerosis
How High Cholesterol Leads to Atherosclerosis
But other plaques are unstable. The white blood cells and other cells the body sends to consume the plaque also release enzymes. These enzymes dissolve some of the tissue called collagen that holds the plaque together. When that happens, the plaque deposit can rupture. Then the debris from it can cause a blood clot to form inside the artery. Sometimes, within minutes, this clot can cut off the blood that goes to the heart or the brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.
As your cholesterol level gets higher, so does the likelihood that more plaques will form. The link between cholesterol and life threatening events makes treating high cholesterol a priority. Both medications and changes in lifestyle can improve cholesterol level and reduce the risks that come with atherosclerosis:
Studies have shown that statins can reduce the rates of heart attacks, strokes, and death from atherosclerosis. But to be effective, statins need to be part of a larger personalized strategy you and your doctor work out together. Among other things, that strategy will be based on your level of risk for heart attack and stroke as well as your own personal life-style choices.
If you know or think your cholesterol is high, talk to your doctor about ways you can lower it.
How High Cholesterol Leads to Atherosclerosis
In this article
- Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis: The Bad and the Good
- Cholesterol Treatment: Down With the Bad, Up With the Good
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis: The Bad and the Good continued...
But other plaques are unstable. The white blood cells and other cells the body sends to consume the plaque also release enzymes. These enzymes dissolve some of the tissue called collagen that holds the plaque together. When that happens, the plaque deposit can rupture. Then the debris from it can cause a blood clot to form inside the artery. Sometimes, within minutes, this clot can cut off the blood that goes to the heart or the brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol Treatment: Down With the Bad, Up With the Good
As your cholesterol level gets higher, so does the likelihood that more plaques will form. The link between cholesterol and life threatening events makes treating high cholesterol a priority. Both medications and changes in lifestyle can improve cholesterol level and reduce the risks that come with atherosclerosis:
- Exercise with or without weight loss increases "good" HDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- A diet high in fiber and low in fats can lower "bad" LDL cholesterol.
- Oily fish and other foods high in omega 3 fatty acids can raise “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Statins are the medicines most-often prescribed for high cholesterol. They can dramatically lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, by up to 60% or more. They can also increase HDL.
Studies have shown that statins can reduce the rates of heart attacks, strokes, and death from atherosclerosis. But to be effective, statins need to be part of a larger personalized strategy you and your doctor work out together. Among other things, that strategy will be based on your level of risk for heart attack and stroke as well as your own personal life-style choices.
If you know or think your cholesterol is high, talk to your doctor about ways you can lower it.