The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released new cholesterol guidelines. These guidelines have the backing of the of additional professional societies, including the American Diabetes Association, so the majority of GPs are very likely to follow them.

It all starts with a healthy lifestyle

A healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended for people of all ages being the foundation to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high cholesterol.

If there is plaque in the arteries, the new guidelines recommend that high-intensity statin therapy or maximally tolerated statin therapy should be used.

Targets are back

Those who have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD), who are a high risk of cardiac complications, should go beyond Statins, if they want to achieve a target of LDL-C of 70 mg/dl.

People aged between 40 – 75 years of age with diabetes who have an LDL-C greater than/ equal to 70 mg/dL. Reducing their ‘bad cholesterol’ is a must.

If you have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a very high cholesterol level, or diabetes,. Then in addition to a healthy lifestyle, you really ought to be taking something to help tackle your cholesterol.

What about healthy people with slightly elevated cholesterol levels?

Maybe you are not in the high-risk categories but in a grey area, so things get a bit more nuanced. There really needs to be a discussion with your GP as second-guessing isn’t an option.

Whether there are other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and the actual LDL-C level. Another factor to consider is a family history of premature ACD. Other blood test abnormalities, such as elevated triglycerides, elevation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, might also be an indication that you need to do more than just change your lifestyle.

Conclusion

It’s always best to seek the advice of GP regarding your cholesterol and checking your count is important. Then you can discuss with your GP about whether you should be on medication like statin to lower your levels or whether lifestyle changes are enough.

But you can be proactive right now by ordering a tub of Cholesterol Essentials.

Cholesterol Essentials is a scientific blend that supports heart function, blood pressure. Also maintains healthy levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and prevent the absorption of ‘bad’ cholesterol.

You can read more about the amazing benefits of Cholesterol Essentials here.