Heart disease is one of the most common problems in most developed countries, studies show. In the United States, heart diseases are the number one killer and reasons for disability, according to the National Institutes of Health’s Web site. Health experts believe that the current lifestyle of most Americans is one of the major factors in the relatively high incidences of heart attack and stroke. However, changes in lifestyle and medications may be able to help decrease the risk of having these problems. Proper management goes a long way for those who are already suffering from cardiovascular problems.
The most common form of heart disease among men and women is often caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels, mainly the arteries, in the heart. This narrowing of arteries or coronary artery disease may be caused by the build-up of plaque inside the walls of the artery. Plaques are the waxy substance that is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other components that may be found in the blood. This condition of plaque build-up is known as atherosclerosis and if the artery becomes too narrow then blood may not be able to pass any longer. Blood contains nutrients that the body needs and when the arteries are too clogged for the blood to pass then the heart may not be able to get the needed nutrients.
The blockage may lead to an angina that may become a heart attack if left untreated. For this reason, cardiologists are careful in monitoring the cholesterol levels of men and women who have heart problems. The levels of cholesterol may need to be maintained lower than 200 mg/dL or keep the low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) below 70 mg/dL. The danger level of cholesterol is 240 mg/dL, according to Mayo Clinic. The treatment for high cholesterol levels mainly focus on lowering the LDL and that is where the use of statins comes in. Statins are drugs that help reduce the cholesterol levels by blocking its production and helping the body reabsorb some of it.
Statins are now being used as primary treatment for some men and women even though they did not experience a heart attack. This is to lessen the chances of ever having this problem. But there are some considerable risks in using this medication. There were even some people who have filed litigation against the manufacturers because of the negative experiences from the use of this drug. A Lipitor lawyer may be able to help those who also wish to file a case.
CINDY GREEN
