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Irvine, CA - Despite some improvements to lower "bad"
cholesterol levels, people with cardiovascular diseases
still need to do a better job controlling overall blood
lipid levels, according to a UC Irvine Heart Disease
Prevention Program study.
 Researchers
found that 37 percent of Americans with diseases that affect
the heart and vascular system had reached recommended levels
of LDL-C (bad cholesterol), but only 17 percent were at
recommended levels for all lipids – LDL-C, HDL-C ("good"
cholesterol) and triglycerides. In contrast, 85 percent of
those without cardiovascular diseases were at recommended
LDL-C levels, while 67 percent were at recommended levels
for all lipids.
The study reveals that many adults, particularly those with
known cardiovascular diseases, inadequately control these
key lipids. Proper diet, exercise, and more appropriate use
of therapies to target all lipids are needed, especially for
those most at risk, said Nathan D. Wong, study leader and
Heart Disease Prevention Program director.
The researchers analyzed data from the nearly 3,000 adults
older than 20 who participated in the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey in 2003-04 and published their
findings in the American Heart Journal.
"While national treatment recommendations have focused on
aggressive management of LDL-C levels, mainly through statin
therapy, we have found little change in HDL-C levels and an
actual increase in triglyceride levels," Wong said. "This is
not good news, as these factors are important components of
cardiovascular risk."
Persons with known cardiovascular diseases should have LDL-C
levels below 100 mg (or below 130 mg for most other adults).
For all adults, HDL-C levels should be 40 mg or higher for
men and 50 mg or higher for women. Triglyceride levels
should be below 150 mg.
Obesity and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle are
controllable factors that can lead to low HDL-C and elevated
LDL-C and triglycerides. High blood pressure, smoking and
diabetes can further compound risks associated with high
lipid levels.
Wong recommends that all adults have a lipid profile done
and speak to their healthcare provider about lifestyle
measures and appropriate medications to improve their
levels.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of Americans,
taking nearly 500,000 lives each year. To decrease risk,
doctors recommend that people control their weight, blood
pressure and blood lipid levels through good lifestyle
habits and minimal stress. |
