What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that encompasses conditions affecting the heart and the blood vessels, most commonly the arteries. Some types of cardiovascular disease are associated with high cholesterol levels, but there are other types of heart disease, including heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems.
How does high cholesterol cause heart problems?
High cholesterol levels in the blood can form a sticky substance called plaque that builds up along the sides of your arteries, causing them to become less flexible (a condition called atherosclerosis or “hardening” of the arteries) and eventually to become narrower. As arteries narrow, the flow of blood is restricted, limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach the heart and other organs. High levels of cholesterol can eventually reduce the level of oxygen enough to cause a heart attack or stroke.
How does Dr. Papas help patients manage cholesterol levels?
Dr. Papas prescribes regular cholesterol screenings, simple blood tests used to measure the levels of low-density and high-density cholesterol (so-called “bad” and “good” cholesterol) so he can determine if patients might benefit from cholesterol-lowering medications. In some cases, patients who have high cholesterol levels and who are overweight may help lower their levels by losing weight, avoiding the need for long-term use of medications. Dr. Papas will review your blood work results and help you evaluate the need for medication to help keep your cholesterol levels in the healthy range.
What is “good” cholesterol?
Good cholesterol refers to high-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol. It's called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove plaque deposits caused by the related high-density lipoprotein, or HDL (also called “bad” cholesterol). So while it's important to lower your levels of LDL, it's also important to ensure you have the right levels of HDL to help combat the development of plaque.
