I disagree with the recent article that states we should "stop dwelling on cholesterol."
The headline was misleading. Elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) is dangerous to your health and needs to be decreased.
This is especially true in patients with diabetes or who are at increased risk for diabetes (about 35 percent of the population over 60).
Excellent studies indicate that all diabetic patients over 40, no matter what other risk factors exist, will decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke if they are treated with a statin.
The goal for LDL in diabetes is less than 100. This is because diabetic patients have more small dense LDL cholesterol than non-diabetic patients.
The small dense LDL cholesterol produces more build-up of plaque (fatty substance) in your blood vessels. This increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Statins are excellent drugs for decreasing both of these.
Other blood lipids (fats) like HDL and triglycerides are important when calculating risk. HDL (good cholesterol) cleans up the plaque in your arteries.
Ideal HDL levels are more than 40 in men and more than 50 in women.
Triglycerides (another bad fatty substance) contribute to risk when the value is greater than 150. Statins help some with these other lipids, but additional medication is needed if the values remain in the abnormal range after a statin is given.
Only one or two patients per 1,000 have proven problems with statins. Some patients have muscle aches that are more likely related to their diabetes or arthritis than the statin drugs.
Controlling blood pressure and stopping any tobacco product are just as important as controlling blood lipids.
The foundation of treatment for lipids and blood pressure is nutrition and physical activity. 150 minutes a week of some type of activity and limiting the amount of saturated fat and salt in your diet are excellent treatment options. Keeping your weight the same or losing seven to 10 pounds also is of benefit.
If you have diabetes, elevated blood pressure or one of your lipids is abnormal be sure you know the amount of salt and saturated fat that you eat.
Unfortunately, some of the unhealthiest foods are cheaper and supermarkets place them at eye level where you are likely to look first.
Don't be afraid to ask for low-fat, low-salt and lower cost items when you visit supermarkets, grocery stores and restaurants.