Cholesterol Archive

The cholesterol-lowering drug bempedoic acid (Nexletol) can be a good alternative for people who can't take statins. A 2023 study found that compared with a placebo, bempedoic acid can lower the risk of heart attacks and related problems.

If people see evidence of plaque buildup inside their arteries, it may motivate them to take better care of their heart health, according to a 2023 study.

Following a vegetarian or vegan diet may help lower levels of total and LDL cholesterol, according to a 2023 review of studies published over four decades.

Pregnancy and reproductive complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, pre-eclampsia, infertility, and stillbirth, are linked with higher cardiovascular risks in affected women many years later. Such complications affect 5% to 10% of pregnancies and are rising as obesity rates increase and more women postpone pregnancy. Ongoing preventive care and screenings are crucial for women who experienced pregnancy complications to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and treat any irregularities aggressively.

Research into the health benefits of alcohol has not provided a clear answer. Some findings suggest that alcohol helps protect against heart disease and lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and drinkers tend to live longer than nondrinkers. Other studies say these benefits are less clear. If you don't drink alcohol now, there are no health reasons to start drinking. If you do enjoy it, it's best to have no more than 2 drinks in the same day.

A common complaint among statin users is that the drugs increase pain during and after exercise. A 2023 study suggests statins won't exacerbate usual muscle symptoms from moderate-intensity exercise.

Statin dosages fall into three categories (low, moderate, or high) based on how much the medication can lower LDL. The choice of a statin depends on a person's risk.

A 2023 study found that one in five people at high risk for heart disease chose not to take a recommended statin drug. After a doctor's recommendation to start a statin, women were more likely than men to decline the medication.

A 2023 study found that playing an 18-hole round of golf on foot (pulling golf clubs) had greater immediate effects on blood sugar and cholesterol than walking briskly for one hour or doing Nordic walking for one hour.

Yoga has modest yet positive effects on several factors linked to cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. The postures, breathing, and meditation practices inherent in yoga help cultivate the relaxation response, which trains the body to be less reactive during times of stress. People new to yoga should seek out a beginner, gentle, or chair yoga class, especially those who are over 65 or who have any medical conditions.