Understand from 5 symptoms that blood vessels are shrinking due to dirt, heart attack may occur, eliminate bad cholesterol with 4 things.

Dr. Preeti Gupta, Associate Professor at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi According to ICMR, recent studies by ICMR have shown that the incidence of high cholesterol in India's urban population is 25-30% and 15-20% in the rural population. Compared to high-income countries, India has a high incidence and mortality rate of major cardiovascular diseases at 83%. But amid these uncertainties, there is some good news: Managing cholesterol, and especially bad cholesterol, can make a big difference.

What is ASCVD and what are its symptoms?
ASCVD is caused by various conditions, such as plaque accumulation in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This condition is called atherosclerosis and the arteries gradually begin to close due to cholesterol accumulation. In such a situation, the arteries become hard and the chances of heart attack, stroke and other heart-related problems increase. ASCVD often progresses slowly and symptoms appear only when problems arise.

Signs and Symptoms of ASCVD
Some common symptoms in the early stages are angina, also known as chest pain; Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and increased heartbeat. However, it is important to understand that some people may not experience any symptoms until it becomes life-threatening. Therefore, regular health checkups and active cholesterol monitoring are essential for early detection of the disease and timely intervention. Anyone over the age of 40 is at higher risk for ASCVD. However, if someone has any genetic conditions like hypercholesterolemia, lupus, etc., he or she may have ASCVD even before the age of 30.

Risk Factors for ASCVD
Many factors contribute to ASCVD. Some of these change, while some remain the same. Modifiable risk factors include cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Among these, increased cholesterol levels and high blood pressure play a particularly important role. In such a situation it is important to consult a cardiologist and get his expert guidance. It is important to start managing your cholesterol levels after the age of 20, especially if you have a history of heart problems in your family. By regularly monitoring cholesterol, you will be prepared and better able to manage your cholesterol levels.

Types, effects and effects of cholesterol on heart health
There are different types of cholesterol, among which LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol'. Because it plays a role in plaque accumulation in artery walls. While HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Thus it provides protection from ASCVD. An imbalance between LDL and HDL can greatly influence the risk of developing ASCVD. High levels of LDL cholesterol promote atherosclerosis, while low levels of HDL cholesterol prevent the body from removing excess cholesterol and thus accelerates plaque accumulation.

Why is cholesterol testing important for heart health?
To manage LDL level, it is important to get cholesterol checked. In 2019, 32% of deaths worldwide were due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and it is estimated that by 2030 there will be 23.6 million deaths due to this disease every year. In such a situation, it is important to get cholesterol checked from an early age. This will start from the age of 20 itself. In this way, people will be more conscious about their health and will also take measures to prevent diseases.

Why is it important to know your target LDL-C?
The ideal LDL-C level varies from person to person, depending on risk factors and health goals. But normally it should be 100 mg/dL, while for high-risk people it should be lower. Blood tests can be done regularly to monitor LDL-C. This happens every 3 to 12 months, depending on the patient's risk and treatment.

Monitoring your lipids is the foundation of management of ASCVD. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are important to manage cholesterol levels. But it is also important to understand that medications are more effective and faster in reducing LDL cholesterol. These medicines help control blood pressure and prevent clot formation. Such drugs play an important role in reducing the risk of ASCVD and improving treatment outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for further details.