There are two main lipids found in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides, also known as serum lipoproteins. Cholesterol is an essential chemical within the body, without it we will die. Yet, if our blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are too high, we are at risk for coronary artery disease which is a major cause of death in the United States today.

Cholesterol is an essential element contained in all human cell membranes; it is a structural component of steroid hormones and bile acids. Triglycerides are important in helping to transfer energy from food into body cells.

Lipoproteins are categorized based on how dense they are. Density is based on the amounts of cholesterol triglycerides and apoproteins. The densest and smallest are called high-density lipoproteins or HDL, also know at "the Good Cholesterol". Lipoproteins that are a little less dense are called low-density lipoproteins of LDL. The least dense, and the largest of the lipoproteins, are the very low-density lipoproteins or VLDL.

In coronary heart disease, plaque accumulates along the walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque, can also accumulate in other major arteries within the body, this is termed atherosclerosis. Epidemiological research has shown that high levels of LDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, just as high levels of HDL cholesterol lower that same risk.

Know your numbers! Serum cholesterol testing in adults is recommended every one to five years. Early detection and early control of high cholesterol in persons without symptoms, is an important step in reducing the development and progression of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. Persons with diabetes and a family history of high cholesterol are more likely to have high cholesterol and may need to be tested at more frequent intervals.

In the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol, diet modification is considered by experts to be the cornerstone of therapy. Adjuncts to the prevention and/or treatment of high cholesterol also include, a regular exercise regimen, cessation of smoking and excessive alcohol intake, the addition of antioxidants to the diet, and lipid lowering drugs.

Dietary guidelines set forth from the American Heart Association (AHA) to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower total serum cholesterol can be obtained by contacting your local chapter of the AHA. A summary of the AHA and other standard guidelines include:

Advanced Cardiac Specialists (ACS) supports patients in the identification, treatment and prevention of high cholesterol. Serum cholesterol. testing, risk reduction counseling, individualized treatment programs and on-site exercise centers staffed by exercise physiologists are the tools used by ACS clinicians for reducing your risk of high cholesterol.

Advanced Cardiac Specialists cares about your good health. Detection, prevention and treatment of high cholesterol is only one of the ways in which we show you how to more proactively manage your health care.

If you would like more information about our cholesterol program or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at: (480) 926-6990, or 1 (800) 73 PULSE, or e-mail us at bobbie.boyd@acs-im.com