Cholesterol is one of the most important challenges facing modern man, affecting the health of the cardiovascular system, posing a risk of developing serious diseases. According to the latest scientific data, high cholesterol is one of the main factors that contribute to the occurrence of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.

Causes and characteristics of hypercholesterolemia

“Elevated cholesterol can result from a number of factors, including heredity, diet and lifestyle. A poor diet, including excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, increase the risk of high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. In addition, obesity and type 2 diabetes are often associated with elevated cholesterol, leading to serious health problems,” points out Mr. Emmanuel Kallieris Director of the Intensive Heart Attack Unit at the Metropolitan Hospital & Assistant Professor of Cardiology and continues:

“Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by high levels of LDL, which can lead to a buildup of fatty substances in artery walls, causing atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.”

Hypertension and cholesterol: A dangerous combination

Hypertension, i.e. high blood pressure, is another factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease when it coexists with high cholesterol. Especially the systolic pressure (the high pressure) is the one most associated with causing damage to the target organs. When the systolic pressure is greater than 14 and the diastolic is greater than 9, it is necessary to take immediate measures to regulate the pressure, both through dietary interventions and medication.

Alcohol and tobacco: Additional risks

Alcohol consumption should be done in moderation, as excessive consumption can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although red wine contains polyphenols that are considered beneficial for the vessels, moderate consumption is recommended, i.e. one glass a day for women and two for men. On the contrary, smoking, whether conventional or in the form of vaping products, has proven to be particularly harmful, with long-term effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Special population categories

“Certain groups of people are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease because of high cholesterol. Women of childbearing age, especially those taking birth control pills, should avoid smoking, as this combination can increase the risk of blood clots and coronary heart disease. On the other hand, young men who smoke early in life are also at high risk for premature heart problems, even before the age of 40,” the expert emphasizes.

The role of medication

Despite popular beliefs, the use of medication, such as statins, is absolutely necessary to regulate cholesterol levels. “Many patients avoid taking medication, believing they can lower their cholesterol through diet and exercise alone. However, the higher the cholesterol levels, the more difficult it becomes to achieve the desired results with lifestyle changes alone.

It is also important to note that cholesterol medications do not cause significant damage to liver function, as patients often fear. Statins are effective in reducing LDL cholesterol, help protect our heart, significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, significantly improving life expectancy,” he says.

Prevention and treatment

“The prevention of hypercholesterolemia starts with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. The diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good fats, such as omega-3, found in fish and nuts. “Physical activity is also vital for heart health, with walking considered an ideal choice as it helps lower LDL levels and improve overall cardiovascular health,” concludes Mr. Callieris.

* In an effort to ensure heart health, Metropolitan Hospital operates a standard Cardiac Intensive Care Unit – Heart Attacks. The unit has 6 beds with an excellent ergonomic arrangement in the space. It is fully equipped with modern machines and has staff with many years of experience in ICUs. It can support both respiratory with mechanical assistance (ventilator), and the heart with an intra-aortic pump, external pacemakers, etc.

Patients are recorded in an electronic file with all examinations. The Unit has the highest rates of excellent outcome of cases, one of the best in our country, and a low average hospitalization time. 11,000 patients have been hospitalized in the Heart Attack Unit, including several Europeans, Americans as well as from other countries, with acute and complex cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, pulmonary edema, myocarditis, pericarditis, valvular diseases, arrhythmias and rarer diseases.