Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disease related death in America. High cholesterol is one of many factors that can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Cardiologists set specific cholesterol goals for patients who have had heart attacks. Medications and lifestyle modifications are often required to achieve these goals.
Heart Attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the heart muscle is deprived of blood and oxygen. In many cases, heart attacks occur as a result of plaques and clots that occlude the arteries supplying the heart with blood. High cholesterol increases the risk of plaque and clot formation, as plaque and clots are made of lipid components. When a patient has had a heart attack from the blockage of blood vessels, he is diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Total Cholesterol
To determine cholesterol levels, patients are required to provide a blood sample. Patients typically must undergo a fasting period before providing the sample. A lipid panel is ordered on the sample, and the results include values for different types of cholesterol. Because the total cholesterol value encompasses all types of cholesterol, "bad" or harmful cholesterol levels typically rise when total cholesterol is elevated. According to the National Institutes of Health's Adult Treatment Panel 3 lipid guidelines, or ATP3, total cholesterol should be kept below 200 mg/dL.
LDL Cholesterol
The most significant type of cholesterol monitored in patients with heart disease is low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol. Also commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL is a primary source of lipids for the formation of arterial plaques and clots. According to the ATP3 guidelines, a reduction of LDL cholesterol below a level of 100 mg/dL is a major goal in the treatment of heart disease.
Triglycerides
After LDLs, triglycerides are usually next to be targeted. Triglycerides also contribute to plaque and clot formation. The ATP3 lipid guidelines suggest keeping triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL. Although medications that lower LDL can be effective, drugs designed to specifically target triglycerides may be required.
HDL Cholesterol
In contrast to LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is often associated with a reduction of risk for heart disease. HDL is believed to scavenge lipids from arterial plaques in the bloodstream, transporting them back to the liver to be processed. Because low HDL levels have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease, the ATP3 guidelines suggest raising HDL above 40 mg/dL once triglyceride and LDL goals have been met. Speak to your doctor about any concerns regarding high cholesterol and heart disease.
