Understand from 5 symptoms that blood vessels are shrinking due to dirt, heart attack may occur, eliminate bad cholesterol with 4 things.

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful life, the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has increased. ASCVD initially has few or no symptoms and is therefore often called the ‘silent killer’. This disease increases gradually with the passing years and poses a great threat to millions of people in the world.

Dr. Preeti Gupta, Associate Professor at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi According to ICMR, recent studies by ICMR have put the incidence of high cholesterol in India’s urban population at 25-30% and in the rural population at 15-20%. Compared to high-income countries, India has a high rate of major cardiovascular disease and death at 83%. But amid these uncertainties, there is some good news: Managing cholesterol, and especially bad cholesterol, can make a big difference.

What is ASCVD and what are its signs and symptoms?
ASCVD is caused by a variety of conditions, such as plaque accumulation in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis and due to accumulation of cholesterol, the arteries gradually start closing. In such a situation, the arteries become hard and the possibility of heart attack, stroke and other heart problems increases. ASCVD often progresses slowly and symptoms only appear when problems arise.

Signs and Symptoms of ASCVD
Some common symptoms in the early stages are angina, also known as chest pain; Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and increased heartbeat. However, it is important to understand that some people do not show any symptoms until a life-threatening situation develops. Therefore, regular health checkups and proactive cholesterol monitoring are essential for early detection of disease and timely intervention. Anyone over the age of 40 is at higher risk for ASCVD. However, if one has any genetic conditions like hypercholesterolemia, lupus, etc., one may develop ASCVD even before the age of 30.

Risk Factors for ASCVD
Many factors contribute to ASCVD. Some of these undergo changes, while some remain the same. Modifiable risk factors include cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Among these, increased cholesterol levels and high blood pressure play a particularly important role. In such a situation, it is important to consult a cardiologist and get his expert guidance. It is important to start managing your cholesterol levels after the age of 20, especially if you have a family history of heart problems. By regularly monitoring cholesterol, you will be prepared and will be able to manage your cholesterol levels in a better way.

Types, effects and effects of cholesterol on heart health
There are different types of cholesterol, of which LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’. Because it plays a role in the accumulation of plaque in the artery walls. Whereas HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps in removing excess cholesterol from the blood. Thus it provides protection from ASCVD. An imbalance between LDL and HDL can greatly affect the risk of developing ASCVD. High levels of LDL cholesterol promote atherosclerosis, while low levels of HDL cholesterol prevent the body from removing excess cholesterol and thus plaque accumulation accelerates.

Why is cholesterol testing important for heart health?
It is important to get cholesterol checked to manage LDL levels. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounted for 32% of deaths worldwide in 2019 and is estimated to cause 23.6 million such deaths each year by 2030. In such a situation, it is important to get cholesterol checked from an early age. It will start right from the age of 20. In this way, people will be more conscious about their health and will also take measures to prevent diseases.

Why is it important to know your target LDL-C?
Ideal LDL-C levels vary from person to person depending on risk factors and health goals. But generally it should be 100 mg/dL, while for those at high risk it should be less. Blood tests may be done regularly to monitor LDL-C. This happens every 3 to 12 months, depending on the patient’s risk and treatment.

Monitoring your lipids is the foundation of managing ASCVD. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are important for managing cholesterol levels. But it is also important to understand that medicines are more effective and faster in reducing LDL cholesterol. These medicines help in controlling blood pressure and prevent clot formation. Such drugs play an important role in reducing the risk of ASCVD and improving treatment outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.