We need to pay special attention if we find elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) during a physical exam, as this condition may trigger the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. As the disease progresses, blood vessels may become narrow, leading to a lack of blood supply to the brain and, in severe cases, health problems such as insufficient blood supply to the heart.
Therefore, LDL cholesterol is an important health indicator that requires close attention.
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The body exhibits the following manifestations
There is concern about elevated blood lipids
Chest pain or angina
This can be a sign that the heart is not getting enough blood, especially if the pain occurs in the chest and may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw.
dyspnea
Having trouble breathing while doing daily activities, or sudden shortness of breath, may indicate a heart or lung problem.
fatigue
Feeling unusually tired without additional physical activity may be due to heart problems.
Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms can be related to heart problems, especially during a heart attack.
Dizziness or fainting
This can be a sign of insufficient blood supply to the brain, especially if accompanied by other heart symptoms.
Blurred vision or vision problems
This may be the result of dyslipidemia affecting the blood vessels around the eyes.
pancreatitis
Hyperlipidemia may lead to pancreatitis, which is characterized by severe pain in the upper abdomen.
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LDL cholesterol
Different crowd control standards differ
Indeed, the control criteria for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) vary from population to population, as different populations have different cardiovascular disease risks. Here are some common LDL-C control targets:
Adults in general
In the absence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the control target for LDL-C is typically less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). For adults at risk of cardiovascular disease, a tighter control of less than 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) may be required.
Diabetics
In patients with diabetes who do not have cardiovascular disease, the LDL-C target is usually less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). However, if cardiovascular disease is already present, lower levels should be pursued, usually less than 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).
Patients with known cardiovascular disease
For patients with known cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke, or those requiring cardiac surgery, LDL-C control targets are generally more stringent, with many guidelines recommending levels below 55 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L).
High-risk individuals
Certain individuals with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease (e.g., smoking, high blood pressure, age, etc.) may require stricter LDL-C control.
Doctors determine an individual's LDL-C control goals based on their health, age, gender, ethnicity, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, for LDL-C control, the advice of a medical professional should be followed, and a combination of lifestyle changes and medication may be required to achieve these goals.
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How to lower LDL
The level of cholesterol
Improve your eating habits
Increase your intake of foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, apples, pears, carrots, and legumes. Soluble fiber can help reduce the absorption of LDL-C. At the same time, reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats and choose foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts and fish.
Increase physical activity
Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, running, swimming or cycling, can help raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels while lowering LDL-C levels.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Losing weight through diet and exercise can help lower LDL-C levels.
Quit smoking
Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels and can lead to elevated LDL-C levels.
Limit or abstain from alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption may increase LDL-C levels, so moderate alcohol consumption or abstinence from alcohol can be beneficial in controlling LDL-C.
drug therapy
Under the guidance of a doctor, some people may need medications to lower LDL-C levels. Commonly used medications include statins, bile acid binders, fibrillic acid derivatives, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
Manage other conditions
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease can all affect LDL-C levels, so effective management of these conditions is also important to control LDL-C.