Printer Friendly Version
It’s In Your Blood
Connecting Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol with Stroke
By Pam Peters, Managing Editor
Abnormal cholesterol levels such as
high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol are major risk factors for
atherosclerosis and stroke.
An unsafe cholesterol level is defined as a total
of over 200 mg/dL; LDL levels more than 130 mg/dL; and HDL levels less than 40
mg/dL or any combination of these three levels.
Atherosclerosis is the slow buildup of plaque,
including fatty deposits and other cells in the artery walls. The plaques can
cause blood to stop flowing to vital organs such as the brain. In the brain,
stopped blood flow can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini stroke)
or a full-blown stroke. Atherosclerosis is a silent and usually painless
condition that should be stopped early in order to prevent a stroke.
Cholesterol is a soft waxy fat in the body needed
to digest fats and produce cell membranes, some hormones and vitamin D. There
are two main types of lipoproteins in blood that carry cholesterol—low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL has been found to potentially
lower stroke risk and is known as the “good” cholesterol because it carries
cholesterol away from the tissues to the liver, where it is filtered out of the
body. On the other hand, too much LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the
arteries which causes atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can be stopped with the
right treatment so it’s important to be aware of the risks and talk to a healthcare
professional about it.
Some of the risk factors for atherosclerosis
include: age, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
People with these risks should be aware that these factors can lead to
atherosclerosis and stroke.
Symptoms and Tests
Atherosclerosis causes few symptoms until middle
or older age. Doctors typically listen for carotid bruits (a murmur heard over
the carotid artery in the neck) during exams for early detection of carotid
atherosclerosis. With cholesterol, a blood test is necessary to find out if
someone has high levels.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute, all adults ages 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked
at least once every five years. This is done with a simple fasting blood test.
Cholesterol should be checked more frequently in men older than 45 and women
older than 55. People with a family history of high cholesterol should also be
checked more often.
People with risk factors for high cholesterol and
atherosclerosis should take on the following preventive measures to avoid
Exercise: Start an exercise program since regular exercise
seems to prevent fatty deposits from clogging arteries. Be sure to check with
your healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.
Eat Healthy: Eating foods low in fats and high in fruits and
vegetables can help lower cholesterol.
Take Medication: For people who cannot lower their cholesterol
through diet and exercise alone, medicine such as statin drugs might be
prescribed. Drugs can help reduce the size of plaque particles that can clog or
harden the arteries. Ask your doctor about the best cholesterol management
method for you.
Stop Smoking: Get support from one of the many smoking
cessation programs available in your community and drop the habit for
Pam Peters is Principal Writer and Founder of Words Abound.
Stroke Smart Home | Subscribe to Stroke Smart