Introduction to Cholesterol Control and Vascular Health

Cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can be responsible for the buildup of plaque on artery walls, reducing blood flow and potentially blocking arteries. This can lead to vascular disease, a heart attack, or stroke.

Healthcare professionals recommend routine lipid panels, to ensure their patients maintain levels within normal limits. Elevated cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are concerning and may require one or more forms of management to bring them back to normal limits.

Understanding Cholesterol: The Good and the Bad

Cholesterol is a main component of cell membranes. It helps to maintain cell structure, integrity, and fluidity. It also plays a role in hormone production, bile acid synthesis, and the regulation of blood clotting.

While LDL is considered the "bad" cholesterol, high-density cholesterol (HDL) is the "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the liver where it is broken down for use in various functions.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels, along with low HDL and high LDL, can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels?

The LDL cholesterol in a healthy adult should measure below 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). For a high-risk patient, the aim should be below 70 mg/dL.

A healthy levels of HDL cholesterol level should be 60 mg/dL or higher.

A triglyceride level of less than 150 mg/dL is considered healthy.

However, your doctor may look for a different result due to your personal health and risk factors.

How Cholesterol Affects Vascular Disease

High cholesterol increases plaque buildup and narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and adding to the chances of carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, aneurysms, and stroke.

Carotid Artery Disease
High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, which are the main vessels supplying blood to the brain. As these arteries narrow, the risk of reduced brain blood flow or blood clots increases, potentially resulting in a stroke.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Excess cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries supplying the limbs, particularly the legs, leading to peripheral artery disease. This causes pain, cramping, and poor wound healing due to restricted blood flow, and in severe cases, may result in tissue damage or amputation.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol can create plaque deposits in the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle. This narrowing reduces oxygen-rich blood to the heart and can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or heart failure.

Aneurysms
Plaque buildup weakens the arterial walls, which may lead to bulging or ballooning known as an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, particularly in areas such as the aorta or brain.

Stroke
When cholesterol-induced plaque narrows or blocks arteries in the brain or neck, it increases the risk of ischemic stroke. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a clot that suddenly blocks blood flow to the brain, leading to permanent damage.

Explore:

• Carotid Stenting (CAD) Decision-Making Guide
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Decision-Making Guide
• Brain Aneurysm Decision-Making Guide
• Stroke Decision-Making Guide

Treatment Options for Cholesterol Control

Treatment for lowering cholesterol can vary and include lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications that help reduce cholesterol include:

• Smoking cessation
• Reducing alcohol use
• Regular exercise
• Eating a healthy, low-saturated fat diet such as the Mediterranean diet

Oral Medications

Statins such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin are often prescribed as a medication to help lower the LDL level.

Ezetimibe helps to reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestine.

Niacin or fibrates are sometimes recommended for control of triglyceride levels.

Injectable Therapies

For those who have difficulty maintaining healthy levels, PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab or evolocumab may be prescribed for patients with remarkably high cholesterol levels and who cannot tolerate statins.

Another option is the siRNA therapy called Inclisiran, a twice-yearly injection that offers a long-acting treatment for the control of LDL cholesterol.

Supplements and Natural Support

Supplements may also be helpful for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Omega-3 is a popular and effective supplement for triglyceride control. The traditional Chinese remedy of red yeast rice can be effective in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, this should not be used without first consulting your physician.

While supplements may help in providing a more natural form of support, they should not be considered a substitution for prescribed therapy.

Monitoring and Long-Term Management

Healthy adults over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Those over 45 or younger with high-risk factors for vascular disease should have a cholesterol panel run every one to two years.

If there is a concern of vascular disease, your doctor may also recommend imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or an ultrasound.

Why Cholesterol Management is a Lifelong Commitment

Consistency is important. Keeping on track with a healthy lifestyle and taking your medications as directed are key to cholesterol management while helping to prevent a heart attack or stroke or the need for vascular surgery.

Take Charge of Your Cholesterol, Protect Your Vascular Health

If you are concerned about your cholesterol or vascular health, contact Dr. Manish Taneja at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore today for a compassionate and comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment. Let us help you protect your heart, brain, and arteries. 

Varicose Veins Resources

Explore our varicose veins and spider veins resources for patients. Gain insight into the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins conditions, their underlying causes, symptoms, and complications. Connect with your vascular health.

Varicose, Spider Veins, or DVT: Blue or Purple Veins

Keep Varicose Veins and Spider Veins at Bay

If your legs feel sore persistently, achy when standing long periods, or maybe you notice blue or purple veins even bulging in the area, chances are these symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins could lead to other serious venous diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), or Leg Swelling due to increased pressure forming larger blood clots over time. Varicose veins are fully treatable with minimally invasive procedures and treatments offering minimal downtime and quick recovery preventing further complications. Long term effects of untreated varicose veins can hinder your daily life and impact your health.

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore is here to diagnose and treat varicose veins smoothening patients’ experience to find relief and comfort. As a vascular and interventional radiology specialist based in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja looks after a spectrum of venous diseases, peripheral vascular malformations, and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Manish Taneja also has extensive experience in performing all vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions and interventional oncology procedures.

Other Health Conditions

Venous Diseases (Varicose Veins)

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our vascular specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.