Internal medicine specialist Dr. Mehmet Akif Ozturk discussed the intriguing aspects of cholesterol medications as well as techniques to lower bad cholesterol, which can result in fatal health issues like heart attacks and paralysis.
In reality, cholesterol is a chemical that is present in every cell. It performs crucial bodily functions. Our bodies meet the majority of our needs for cholesterol, which is necessary for the formation of hormones and cell walls, while food supplies the remainder. LDL cholesterol, sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol," is one of the forms of cholesterol present in the blood and is the one that is dreaded for its potential negative effects on human health. "High levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to numerous research. Over 30% of the population in our nation has high cholesterol. This indicates that approximately one in three persons face this risk,'' said Yeditepe University Kozyatagi Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Mehmet Akif Ozturk, noting the intriguing details on cholesterol drugs and bad cholesterol.

What are the Risk Factors for Cholesterol?

First and foremost, there is a large increase in risk if there is a tendency to have high cholesterol in the family, which means that the person's father, mother, or grandfather has high cholesterol. Impaired blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or insulin resistance are another risk factor. However, in this case, the risk of cardiovascular illnesses is more significant than the risk of high cholesterol. Risk factors in this regard include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, chronic kidney failure, and aging. Smokers' oxidative stress leads to some blood vessel damage. Unfortunately, there is a significant risk rise for cardiovascular disorders when it is paired with excessive cholesterol. Alcohol over time makes the liver fatty. High cholesterol levels in individuals may potentially have a metabolic connection to this fattening. Adrenaline and cortisol, two hormones that speed up the heart and aid in problem-solving, are secreted during times of stress and anxiety. These hormones maintain high levels throughout prolonged stress, which strains the heart. Excess LDL (bad cholesterol) can accumulate over time in the arteries, hardening and clogging them. Moreover, stress causes inflammation (inflammation), which lowers HDL or "good" cholesterol, which aids in the removal of additional LDL.

Does it also Affect Young People?

In healthy people, high cholesterol is more common as they age. Yet, high cholesterol can be identified even at a very young age if there is a family history of it. Unfortunately, this raises the chance of a heart attack or stroke in young age. As a result, it is important to monitor cholesterol levels if there is a family history of heart attacks, as there may be a high level of familial cholesterol.

What Should People with High Cholesterol Eat?

It is well known that animal products are the primary dietary source of cholesterol. Our patients with high cholesterol are not completely prohibited from consuming animal products, but we do advise them to substitute low-fat fish or chicken, low-fat milk, and dairy products for those with higher cholesterol contents, such as liver, eggs, red meat, and steak. Also, we advise avoiding animal fats and sunflower oil in favor of olive oil when cooking. We do not want fructose, which is a component of simple carbohydrates, to be consumed in excess.

When Should You Take Your Medication, and for How Long?

These cholesterol-lowering meds are not the only ones that are used. Hence, using medications once and quitting it is improper. So your cholesterol will quickly rise again when you stop taking your medicine for it, especially if you do not pay close attention to your diet. Also, we advise patients to strictly adhere to our dietary advice. Physical activity is undoubtedly massively crucial. It may result in a decrease in high cholesterol levels.

Are There Side Effects of Medications?

Rarely, liver or muscle enzyme increases can be brought on by cholesterol medicines. We also let our patients know about potential adverse effects, and if necessary, we can utilize different medications or lower the doses of these ones.

How to Lower LDL Levels?

For certain patients, this could be challenging. First, we advise high-risk patients to make lifestyle adjustments. They take the shape of dietary suggestions and suggestions for physical activity. Medication may be necessary if we are unable to reduce our cholesterol levels to the desired ranges. Here, patient adherence to the recommended course of treatment is crucial.

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