(NAPSA)—New cholesterol guide- lines from the American Heart Associa- tion emphasize a personalized approach to preventing andtreating high cholesterol and cardiovasculardisease. WhatCholesterolIs Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body makes to build cells. Too muchcan pose a problem. Extra cholesterol comesfrom foodsincluding meat, poultry, dairy andtropical oils. Why Cholesterol Matters Cholesterol can slowly build up in yourarteries and form a thick, hard deposit that narrows them and makes them less flexible. Ifa blood clot blocks a narrowedartery, a heartattack or stroke canresult, What To Do Ask your doctor such questionsas: Q. What do cholesterol numbers mean? A. Studies suggest optimal choles- terol levels are about 150 mg/dL and about 100 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Levels in this range are linked to lower rates of heart disease andstroke. ‘There's no ideal target for LDL-C but“loweris better.” Assessmentwith a risk calculator helps your doctor determine your personalrisk and treatment options. A coronary artery calcium test mayalso help with your assessment. Q. How can I lower myrisk for heart disease? ‘A.A healthylifestyleis critical. Also, while statins are still thefirst choice of medication for lowering cholesterol, It's a healthy idea to be your own advocate whenit comes to managing yourcholesterollevels. right medicineand dose. “Finding the sweet spot for treat- ment is highly individualized? said Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., a mem- berofthe cholesterol guideline writing committee and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. “Thelatest guidelines strongly encourage patient and doctorto havedetailed and personalized discussions about medication” Ask your doctor about medicines, foods—such as grapefruit or pome- granate—or supplements that may interact with your cholesterol-lowering medication. Q. When and howoften should I follow up? A. Have a follow-up visit one to three monthsafter starting cholesterol-lowering medication to checkthatit’s working, that you're taking it properly, andto monitorforsideeffects. Learn More The American Heart Association’s new drugsare available for people who Check.Change.Control.Cholesterolinitiative, supported by Sanofi and Regeneron,hasinformation andresources for monitor your progress. Q. How do I know if my medicine is working? vascular risk factors. Visit www.heart. org/cholesterol for further facts, and www.heart.org/MyCholesterolGuide to have had a heart attack or stroke and areat risk for another. Your doctorwill A. It maytake a fewtries to find the managingcholesterol and other cardiodownloadthefree guide.
