Signs that you may have “sticky” high cholesterol. A new study identifies a risky type of LDL

It’s common knowledge that “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood pressure are a dangerous mix—but new research shows a specific type of LDL cholesterol could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who already have high blood pressure (hypertension). High levels of lipoprotein(a), (the “sticky” cholesterol)  is particularly concerning for those with high blood pressure. “We discovered that hypertension is responsible for the high cardiovascular risk in this diverse group.” says lead study author Dr. Rishi RikhiAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem was a fellow in cardiovascular medicine. “Moreover, people with hypertension were at greater cardiovascular risk when lipoprotein (a) was raised.”

Low hypertension and high Lp(a levels did not increase the risk. The risk is higher if there are high levels of lipoprotein(a), hypertension, and both. Dr. Rikhi states that lipoprotein (a) appears to alter the relationship between hypertension & cardiovascular disease. This suggests important interactions or relationships with hypertension, lipoprotein (a), and cardiovascular disease. More research is necessary.

Why is lipoprotein(a), so dangerous? Lipoprotein(a), a LDL variant that is made of fat and protein, carries cholesterol into your arteries. These particles infiltrate the artery walls more aggressively because they are made of protein than regular LDL. says cardiologist Dr. Donna PolkAssociate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Lp(a) is more common in people with dangerous atherosclerosis. This means that they are more susceptible to developing fatty deposits in their arteries. They also have a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease (leg blockages), or aortic narrowing (narrowing the heart’s aortic chamber). There is also a greater risk of a heart attack. A genetic condition called lipoprotein(a), Lipoprotein(a), can lead to a heart attack even in a healthy individual (for example, The Biggest Loser Bob Harper, star of the movie Star Trek: The Next Generation, suffered a heart attack when he was 52. 

Lipoprotein(a) cannot be decreased or managed through lifestyle factors—but there are other ways to help support heart health. Continue reading.

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A Diet that Lowers Cholesterol

Heart health has been shown to be improved by a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet. “The Mediterranean diet is not a diet. The Mediterranean diet is not a ‘diet.’ It is a heart-healthy eating program, says a cardiology nurse practitioner. Teresa Scanlan. “What is good for your heart and your brain is good for the rest of your body. Mediterranean eating is a way to eat traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Although there are many definitions of Mediterranean diets, they tend to be high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, seeds, nuts, and olive oil.

Another important aspect of the Mediterranean diet is healthy fats. Scanlan says that healthy fats should be eaten over unhealthy fats like trans and saturated fats. These fats can contribute to heart disease. “Olive oil is the main source of additional fat in the Mediterranean diet. Monounsaturated fat found in olive oil has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels and low-density cholesterol (also known by LDL or bad’ cholesterol). Monounsaturated fat is also found in nuts and seeds.

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Exercise can lower cholesterol

Regular exercise is an essential part of heart health. Johns Hopkins exercise specialist, Dr. Johns Hopkins, states that resistance training and aerobic exercise are important for heart health. Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.D. Although flexibility does not directly contribute to heart health it is still important because it gives you the foundation to perform strength and aerobic exercise more efficiently.

Cardio exercise, resistance training and flexibility are all essential for your heart health. They help raise good cholesterol (HDL), and lower bad cholesterol. Scientific data has repeatedly shown that cardio exercise, or aerobic style exercise, improves the circulation in your heart and throughout your cardiovascular system,” said a cardiac rehabilitation expert. Erik Van Iterson, PhD, MS. This generally refers to the ability of blood to circulate efficiently. It is often associated with a decrease in cardiovascular risk. Exercise is the best form of medicine. You have control over it, and can make changes.

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Lower Cholesterol By Managing Stress

Stress can cause damage to your heart if it is not controlled. Stress can lead to cardiomyopathy and Broken Heart Syndrome if it is not addressed. Remember that taking care for others is about taking care of you first. says cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD. 

According to Dr. Michael A. Smith, “People often underestimate the adverse effects that psychosocial stress can cause for their heart health.” Niti Aggarwal, MD. Psychosocial stressors are life situations that cause intense or unusual stress. These include divorce, family disputes, the death of a loved-one, prolonged illness or natural disasters. Studies show that heart attacks are often linked to depression and psychosocial stress. Studies have shown that high levels of stress can negatively impact health recovery from a heart attack. To maintain a healthy heart, it is important to address both the non-traditional and traditional risk factors for heart disease. It is important to understand that women are affected differently by traditional and nontraditional heart disease risk factors than men.

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Keep an eye on your cholesterol

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute(NHLBI) recommends that cholesterol screenings begin at the age of 9-11 and should be repeated every five to 10 years. Women aged 55-65 and men aged 45-65 should have their cholesterol checked every two years. Those over 65 should have their cholesterol tested each year. People who are at greater risk of developing heart disease should be tested more often. 

A medical office test is better than at-home testing. “Home cholesterol tests” don’t have any real benefits. says Harvard Health. “They don’t provide any accurate information regarding your cardiovascular risk. They don’t give you any information about your diet and exercise, or the effect of cholesterol on your cholesterol. Home tests can be complicated to interpret. The home tests will report the cholesterol levels in accordance with current national guidelines. These guidelines have different targets and cut-offs depending on your health condition. A doctor may be needed to help you determine which standards are applicable to you. You are better off not testing your cholesterol at-home. You can have the details you need from a lab.

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To improve your heart health, lose belly fat

Visceral fat (also known as belly fat) is a dangerous type of fat that’s found deep within the abdomen and around organs like the liver, kidneys, and liver. Visceral fat, also called “active” fat and linked to an increased risk for heart disease in people who are otherwise healthy.  Studies that looked at the link between abdominal fat and cardiovascular outcomes have shown that visceral fat is clearly a health risk.” says Dr. Tiffany Powell-WileyChief of the Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Laboratory at National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. 

To effectively reduce belly fat, you can eat a healthy diet, control your portion size, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, avoid tobacco and manage stress. “Excessive visceral Fat could be harmful because it’s located near the portal vein. The portal vein carries blood from your intestinal area to your liver. says Harvard Health. “Substances emitted by visceral fat (including free fatty acid) enter the portal vein and travel up to the liver. They can affect the production blood lipids. Visceral fat is directly associated with higher total cholesterol, LDL (bad), and HDL (good), as well as insulin resistance.