Diagnosis and treatment of high blood cholesterol

As we understand the effects of high blood cholesterol, it is always mandatory for a thorough medical check up to carry out. The cholesterol screening services are the tools in the successful outcome of cholesterol analysis. Unless we convince our patients regarding its implementation and utility, it is difficult to achieve good numbers of screening cases. The doctors should emphasize the need to undergo HDL and LDL levels so that the patients remain aware of their figures and can take necessary steps to prevent further end organ damage.

LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides are the basic factors of entire lipid profile. With the newer cholesterol analyzers, medical professionals and their patients enjoy a movable record of cholesterol in doctors’ cabin itself. This assists the physician in point of care diagnostics. Even the chronic heart patients can purchase the analyzer and record the lipids results at home with caution.

However, the guidelines given by doctors before the recording have to be followed strictly. According to the guidelines, the patient has to avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test. Also, he or she should avoid eating or drinking anything except water for twelve hours before the test. If the patients follow the guidelines strictly, then it is advisable to rely on the figures obtained. Otherwise, it is better to repeat the test after a week up to two months. Recently skin cholesterol test is also considered as a reasonable marker for the increased risk of atherosclerosis. If the patient is found to have dyslipidemia, it is good to commence the treatment. Controlling LDL levels is mandatory to avoid future heart risks.

However moderate are the changes, lowering of the LDL levels has a significant impact on the cardiac status of the individual. Especially if the patient is a known case of diabetes mellitus, it is particularly critical decision to lower the levels through medications. But before jumping on to medications, one has to make necessary changes in the lifestyle.

Rather, lifestyle changes are the crucial aspect of treatment of cholesterol. The basic changes are no doubt, the dietary restrictions of fats. One has to curb smoking if he or she desires consistent lowering of cholesterol. The carbohydrates you consume should contain fiber rich food and fresh fruits. Walnuts are known to reduce cholesterol to significant degrees. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and vegetable oils also help not to raise cholesterol. Also, maintaining ideal BMI or WHR (waist-hip ratio) is a step towards achieving ideal cholesterol figures. So, exercise under guidance is a key feature of cholesterol treatment.

If the patient follows all the above stated guidelines, in many cases, the cholesterol levels start regressing. But if the patient has one or the other risk factors contributing to heart diseases, then LDL lowering drugs like Atorvastatin or Pravastatin may be used. The statin drugs are known to reverse atherosclerotic coronary disease. Thus, after thorough evaluation of patient’s cardiac status and depending upon general health condition, medical professionals will take a decision about the treatment.