Cholesterol and Stroke Risk: Do You Know Your Numbers?

By Joseph Kandel, M.D.

Every year almost 1,000,000 people suffer a stroke, or “brain attack.” This is caused by loss of blood and oxygen to the brain, and there are a number of risk factors. These include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), HIGH CHOLESTEROL, diabetes, circulation issues, and carotid artery disease.

What is cholesterol, how do we control it?
Cholesterol is a lipid, which is a soft waxy fat that is in the bloodstream and is found throughout the body. We need cholesterol to form cell membranes, some of our hormones, and vitamin D. We take in cholesterol from foods such as egg yolks, liver, and foods fried in animal fats or tropical oils. If cholesterol levels rise, the fatty, waxy substance can clog arteries by forming a plaque. It can block the smallest blood vessels in the brain, leading to a loss of blood flow and oxygen, thereby causing a stroke. It can also cause occlusion in the carotid arteries, those arteries leading from the heart up to the brain, which can lead to a significant stroke. The plaques can also cause blockage of arteries in the heart, leading to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Are there different types of cholesterol?
Since cholesterol does not get to cells and structures on its own, it has to be delivered to and transferred from cells; it does this by using particles called lipoproteins. There are two types, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol, also known as “lousy” cholesterol, has artery clogging properties. It brings the cholesterol into the bloodstream and helps to cause plaque buildup. The HDL cholesterol, called “happy” cholesterol, carries the cholesterol from the tissues to the liver, where it can be filtered. High levels of HDL can be protective from stroke and heart attack.

What will raise my cholesterol?
We’ve all heard so many stories about things that will affect cholesterol, but the following certainly will have an adverse impact on your cholesterol: eating foods high in saturated fat carrying excess body weight not exercising strong family genetics of high cholesterol gender (women in menopause have increased cholesterol).

How can I reduce my cholesterol and my risk for stroke?
First, you must have your cholesterol levels checked. Adults 20 years and older should have cholesterol levels checked every five years. And for men 45 years and older it should be done more frequently and this applies to women older than 55 as well. Cholesterol is checked by a simple laboratory blood test.

To take control of your cholesterol, the first thing to do is to eat a healthy diet. Reducing saturated fat, increasing vegetables, fruits, and lean meats (fish, chicken) can help. Adding fiber in the form of whole-grain bread and dried beans may help reduce cholesterol significantly. Changing the way food is prepared, to include baking, boiling, steaming, and grilling and avoiding frying foods will help as well.

The next step is to exercise. Regular exercise, 30 minutes or more every day at your target heart rate, can slow down the fatty deposits, increase the blood flow, and significantly reduce stroke risk. Simple activities such as doing the stairs rather than the elevator, parking further way to walk a little bit more, walking the golf course instead of taking a cart, or taking a brisk walk with a friend can all be effective.

Medicine:
Sometimes, even with the best habits, diet, and lifestyle, some individuals are just genetically pre-wired to have higher cholesterol levels. For those individuals, as well as for individuals who are starting on a comprehensive total program to reduce cholesterol, medicines may be necessary. If this is the case, you must work with your physician, take the medicine as directed, and notify your physician of any adverse effect of the medicines. Remember, even if you are feeling well, you must still continue to monitor your cholesterol levels, as high cholesterol can lead to problems without warning.

So what are the right cholesterol levels?
Total Blood Cholesterol Levels:
Under 200 mg/dl: The Best
200-239mg/dl: borderline high 240mg/dl or
higher: Too high

LDL Cholesterol Levels:
Under 100 mg/dl: desirable
100-129mg/dl: slightly above optimal
130-159mg/dl: slightly high
160mg/dl and higher: Too high

HDL Cholesterol levels:
60mg/dl and higher: Good
40-60mg/dl: not bad
Less than 40mg/dl: Bad

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For more information on stroke, stroke prevention, and stroke rehabilitation, including the latest treatment using Botox for post stroke spasticity, contact Neurology Office at info@NeurololgyOffice.com or check out the web site: www.NeurologyOffice.com or call: 239-231-1414 (Naples) or 239-231-1415 (Ft. Myers)