18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FERUARY 2024
4 Tips to Get High
Heart disease is the nation ’ s leading cause of death for men and women , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , but many people aren ’ t aware they may be at elevated risk .
More than 71 million adults in the United States have high low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol and nearly 50 million don ’ t have it under control , which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular events , such as heart attack and stroke .
What ’ s more , nearly one-third ( 31 %) of U . S . adults are not aware that having high cholesterol puts them at greater risk for heart attack and stroke , according to the findings of a recent study conducted by The Harris Poll commissioned by Esperion Therapeutics , Inc . The poll also revealed some inconsistent understanding about treatment options available for those with uncontrolled cholesterol . Fully 3 in 10 ( 30 %) of those taking statins believe statins are the only LDL lowering treatment available for those with high LDL cholesterol .
“ In auto racing , the red flag means danger on the track , stopping the race immediately ,” said Dr . JoAnne Foody , chief medical officer at Esperion . “ We are launching a patient education program , ‘ Wave the Red Flag ,’ to encourage people with uncontrolled high cholesterol to have their levels checked right away and discuss appropriate treatment options with their health care provider .”
If your high cholesterol is uncontrolled , understanding how you can achieve greater control can reduce your risk for serious health conditions , including potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events . Consider these tips to get high cholesterol under control . Talk with your doctor . Speaking with your physician is an important first step to managing any health condition . Your doctor can help you understand the severity of your condition and whether a treatment plan should be moderate or aggressive .
Check your progress . Keeping tabs on your cholesterol can help you and your health care team gauge whether your treatment plan is working . If you don ’ t have heart disease , you may not need to check as frequently , but your
18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FERUARY 2024