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| Color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph of a partially occluded, atherosclerotic blood vessel. |
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Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Cholesterol Management1,2
Total and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be measured at least every five years in adults 20 years of age and older. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) measurements are recommended if the patient’s cholesterol levels are one of the following:
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Total cholesterol 240 mg/dL or greater |
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Total cholesterol 200 mg/dL or greater with two or more risk factors (for more information on risk factors, click here) |
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HDL less than 40 mg/dL |
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If the patient has no more than one risk factor, the primary goal is an LDL less than 160 mg/dL, or if two or more risk factors are present, an LDL less than 130 mg/dL is suggested.
Secondary goals for patients are to have an HDL of more than 40 mg/dL and for triglycerides to be less than 150 mg/dL. Some feel that an HDL of more than 50 mg/dL is more appropriate for women.
When LDL levels exceed these goals, patients are recommended to control their weight and start the American Heart Association’s Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diet where less than 7% of the calories are saturated fat and less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol. Drug therapy should be considered when LDL levels remain high despite this diet.
For more information on the American Heart Association’s TLC Diet, click here.
For more information on cholesterol guidelines, click here.
For more information on the American Heart Association and their recommendations for risk prevention, click here.
• Smoking Cessation and Smoke Avoidance
• Blood Pressure Control
• Cholesterol Management
• Physical Activity
• Weight Management
• Aspirin
• Diabetes Management
• Estrogen
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