High cholesterol affects roughly 20% of Americans and can significantly increase the risk of heart disease if left untreated. However, about a third of those with high cholesterol are unaware of the issue, emphasizing the importance of proactive management. Dr. Eric Brandt, the Director of Preventive Cardiology at the University of Michigan, shared valuable insights and tips for managing cholesterol.
According to Dr. Brandt, the primary contributors to elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol are diet and lifestyle, with genetics also playing a role. He emphasized the criticality of knowing one’s cholesterol levels, particularly for individuals with a strong family history of high cholesterol or early-onset heart disease.
Dr. Brandt highlighted the significance of harmful cholesterol molecules, such as LDL cholesterol, which can accumulate in the artery walls over time, leading to plaque buildup and potentially causing blockages or heart attacks. To manage cholesterol effectively, he advocated for a combination of lifestyle adjustments and, when necessary, medication.
One of the key lifestyle interventions recommended by Dr. Brandt is adopting a healthy whole food plant-based diet, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 30% in a few weeks, based on certain studies. However, he also acknowledged that for some individuals, high cholesterol may be hereditary, necessitating early screening and proactive management.
Highlighting the interplay between genetics and lifestyle, Dr. Brandt emphasized that while genetic factors are beyond an individual’s control, lifestyle choices can significantly mitigate the risk of heart events, even among those with a high genetic predisposition. He underscored the potential of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of heart events by over half, despite a high genetic risk.
When medication is required, statins are typically the first line of treatment. While they are generally well tolerated, Dr. Brandt acknowledged that some individuals may not respond favorably to statins, necessitating alternative approaches to cholesterol management.
