On Point with Juandolyn Stokes welcomed Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention for the American Heart Association to discuss the importance of elevated LDL Cholesterol and heart disease. September is Cholesterol Education Awareness Month, which is the ideal time to get your cholesterol checked.
According to Dr. Sanchez, elevated cholesterol can lead to heart attack or stroke. He encouraged listeners to discuss their LDL numbers with their doctor and to learn what they can do to reduce their risk.
“Eating health and physical activity are important, but medicine works faster,” said Sanchez. He added, LDL medication works to lower one’s risk. Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits.
“LDL cholesterol is bad,” he said.
Also, 75% of people report having high LDL cholesterol and yet, nearly half do not know their cholesterol number.
Cholesterol numbers are determined by a blood test given by a doctor. If you do not know your cholesterol number, have a conversation with your doctor as soon as possible.
To learn more about LDL or bad cholesterol, visit: heart.org/LDL.