New Guidelines Suggest More Aggressive Control
of Risk Factors
Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when some of the
vessels (arteries) that carry blood to the heart build
up with fatty deposits, such as cholesterol, depriving
the heart of oxygen and nutrients. Blockage in these
vessels can lead to a heart attack, so it’s important
to know your risk.
Risk factors for CHD include:
- smoking
- hypertension
- low HDL (the good cholesterol) of less than 40mg/dL
- family history
- gender
“If you have two or more risk factors, you
are at increased risk for developing CHD and should
discuss these risks with your physician,”
says Mark
Berger, MD, chief of cardiology at Penn Cardiac
Care at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Patients at most risk may already have CHD and/or
have conditions that are CHD equivalent, such
as peripheral arterial disease (blocked arteries
in the arms and legs) and for the first time,
diabetes. “New cholesterol guidelines suggest
that many more people need medication and lifestyle
changes for the treatment of high cholesterol,”
explains Muredach
Reilly, MD, a preventive cardiologist and
lipid specialist at Penn Cardiac Care at Presbyterian
Medical Center.
In July, the American Heart Association issued new
guidelines that suggest “risk factor screening”
should begin at age 20, including having blood pressure,
body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and pulse
recorded every two years and cholesterol and glucose
levels tested every five years.
Fortunately, you can reduce your risk for developing
heart disease. "Patients who are sedentary, overweight
and have poor diet will significantly lower their cholesterol
and cardiovascular risk by modifying their lifestyle.
It's cheaper, safer and more natural," says Dr
Reilly. Lifestyle recommendations include:
- minimizing exposure to tobacco smoke
- eating healthy
- lowering cholesterol
- exercising moderately (at least 30 minutes/day)
- achieving and maintaining a normal BMI
- attaining a fasting blood glucose level below 110 mg/dL
- maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (check
with your doctor about safe levels for other medical
conditions)
“As we get more aggressive in treating this disease
early, we hope to prevent people from developing CHD
and suffering from it long-term complications,”
adds Dr. Berger.
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