DistantNews
Why cholesterol levels rise: causes, risks, and treatment explained by a cardiologist
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ด Romania /Health & Science

Why cholesterol levels rise: causes, risks, and treatment explained by a cardiologist

From Adevฤƒrul · (39m ago) Romanian

Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • High cholesterol, often called the "silent enemy," is misunderstood by many, with factors beyond diet playing a crucial role.
  • The liver produces excess cholesterol regardless of diet, and genetic predisposition can lead to early-onset heart issues.
  • Cardiologist Prof. Elisabeta Bฤƒdilฤƒ explains how LDL cholesterol damages arteries and debunks myths about statins, emphasizing the importance of continued treatment.

Bucharest, Romania โ€“ In Romania, where cardiovascular diseases remain a significant public health concern, understanding cholesterol is paramount. Often dubbed the "silent enemy," high cholesterol is a pervasive issue, yet its complexities are frequently underestimated by the public. Many individuals are aware of their elevated levels, often detected through routine blood tests, but lack a deep comprehension of the long-term damage occurring within their arteries.

Cholesterol is an essential component of the human body; we cannot live without it.

โ€” Prof. univ. dr. Elisabeta BฤƒdilฤƒExplaining the fundamental role of cholesterol in the human body during an interview.

As highlighted in an interview with Prof. univ. dr. Elisabeta Bฤƒdilฤƒ, vice-president of the Romanian Society of Cardiology, the narrative surrounding cholesterol often oversimplifies its causes. Contrary to popular belief, dietary habits are not always the primary culprit. The liver's own production of cholesterol, independent of food intake, and genetic predispositions can significantly contribute to high levels, sometimes leading to severe conditions like heart attacks even in young adults.

Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver, which is the body's factory.

โ€” Prof. univ. dr. Elisabeta BฤƒdilฤƒDescribing the origin of cholesterol production in the body.

Prof. Bฤƒdilฤƒ's insights are crucial for demystifying cholesterol's role. She explains the detrimental process where LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, aggresses arterial walls, initiating a slow inflammatory response that can culminate in heart attacks or strokes over years. Critically, she addresses and refutes common misconceptions about statin treatments, particularly the unfounded fears that they harm the liver or cause Alzheimer's disease. Dispelling these myths is vital, as patient-driven cessation of treatment due to misinformation can have fatal consequences. The cardiologist stresses the necessity of comprehensive lipid profiles and regular monitoring, even for children with a family history of heart disease, underscoring that managing cholesterol is a lifelong commitment to cardiovascular health.

When we think of the liver, we think of it as a factory where many elements are produced, and it is important, it is vital for the functionality of cells because it is part of the structure of cell membranes.

โ€” Prof. univ. dr. Elisabeta BฤƒdilฤƒElaborating on the liver's role in cholesterol synthesis and its importance for cell structure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Adevฤƒrul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog