Tag

Cholesterol

All articles tagged with #cholesterol

health5 days ago•8 min saved

New ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines push early prevention and broader testing

The ACC/AHA's updated cholesterol guidelines urge starting prevention early, expand testing beyond traditional cholesterol (including Lp(a) and ApoB) and use risk tools like CAC scanning to tailor treatment. They emphasize lifestyle first—plant-based, whole foods, limited ultra-processed foods, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep—with routine cholesterol checks for adults 19+ and childhood screening for those with family history. While lifestyle changes are central, medications such as statins may be necessary for some, and supplements are not a reliable shortcut. Prevention is a lifelong commitment.

via The Times of India|

#apob #cholesterol #guidelines

health6 days ago•12 min saved

Statins explained: how cholesterol-lowering pills work, who should take them, and their side effects

Statins are cholesterol-lowering medicines prescribed after a GP-based cardiovascular risk assessment; they reduce LDL (and sometimes triglycerides), with atorvastatin being the most commonly prescribed type, and are usually taken nightly with regular follow-up blood tests. They work best alongside a healthy lifestyle, and stopping them should only be done under medical guidance since cholesterol can rise again. While many people report side effects, a Lancet study found no significant increase in most adverse effects; certain individuals (pregnant/nursing, liver or kidney problems, previous reactions) may not be eligible. Grapefruit should be avoided because it can affect effectiveness.

via The Independent|

#cholesterol #health #medication

health9 days ago•3 min saved

Medication-driven convergence: obesity and healthy-weight heart risk gaps shrink, study finds

A Lancet analysis of almost 1 million adults across countries shows that older adults with obesity have cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure similar to or better than those with a healthy weight, largely due to widespread use of statins and antihypertensive drugs. Younger adults with obesity still exhibit higher risk, but overall these medications are narrowing cardiometabolic differences between groups. The findings highlight a public health success in treating risk factors, while obesity remains linked to other health problems and the need for ongoing weight management and early intervention.

via The Guardian|

#antihypertensives #bloodpressure #cholesterol

health-and-medicine10 days ago•11 min saved

New Cholesterol-Lowering Pathway Uncovered, Points to CTSA-Targeted Therapy

Researchers identify a new pathway where high dietary cholesterol activates the Ral protein, reducing liver LDL receptors and hindering clearance of LDL cholesterol. Blocking the enzyme cathepsin A (CTSA) with a small-molecule inhibitor stabilized LDL receptors and dramatically lowered blood cholesterol in mouse models, suggesting a novel, statin-independent approach and a potential CTSA-targeted treatment that could move to clinical trials, leveraging an existing CTSA inhibitor with prior human safety data.

via Labroots|

#cholesterol #ctsa #drug-discovery

health10 days ago•250 min saved

Shrimp in Moderation: Experts Map Safe Weekly Limit

Shrimp is high-protein and low in mercury, and two to three servings per week (about 8 ounces) is generally safe for most people. A 3-ounce portion contains roughly 170 mg cholesterol, but dietary cholesterol’s impact on LDL cholesterol varies and is often outweighed by saturated fat; some people, termed hyper-responders, may need to limit shrimp. Purines in shrimp can affect gout risk, and sensitivity to sodium bisulfite or potential TMAO concerns exist. To minimize risks, cook shrimp via steaming/boiling/grilling/baking or air-frying and rotate with other protein sources to maintain a balanced diet.

via AOL.com|

#cholesterol #diet #health

health14 days ago•3 min saved

Butter or Margarine? Health Outcomes Depend on Fat Type and Moderation

Butter is a dairy product higher in saturated fat and cholesterol, while margarine is made from vegetable oils and typically richer in unsaturated fats; both are calorie-dense and can fit in moderation. Health guidance favors unsaturated fats for heart health, and the best choice depends on the product and individual goals—soft margarines with plant oils may be better for heart health, whereas minimally processed butter can fit into a balanced diet. Nutrients differ (butter provides vitamins A/D, riboflavin and butyrate; some margarines are fortified with vitamins A and D), so the takeaway is to focus on the type and portion rather than labeling one as universally “better.”

via USA Today|

#butter #cholesterol #fats

health14 days ago•4 min saved

Shrimp Smart Guide: How Much to Eat Per Week

Shrimp is nutrient-dense and low in mercury, offering high protein plus minerals like selenium, iodine, B12, and omega-3s, along with astaxanthin. However, its cholesterol content and purines mean some people should limit intake. For most, 2–3 servings per week is safe (about 8 ounces total; e.g., 6–8 large or 12–15 medium shrimp), with healthier prep methods like steaming, boiling, grilling, baking, or air-frying. Those who are hyper-responders to dietary cholesterol, have gout risk, or shellfish allergies should tailor intake. As always, individual biology matters when deciding how often to eat shrimp.

via HuffPost|

#cholesterol #gout #health

science15 days ago•11 min saved

Dietary cholesterol slows liver clearance via a Ral-driven LDLR turnover pathway

Long-term dietary cholesterol activates a Ral-dependent pathway that increases degradation of LDL receptors in liver cells, slowing LDL clearance; blocking the responsible enzyme can restore LDLR levels, suggesting a new avenue for lowering cholesterol.

via Nature|

#cholesterol #ldlr #liver

health15 days ago•419 min saved

Daily Eggs: Healthy Everyday Choice With 3 Simple Guidelines

Dietitians say it’s generally fine to eat an egg every day. A large egg provides about 6 g of protein and a bundle of nutrients including vitamins A, D and B12, iodine, selenium, choline, and eye-protective lutein/zeaxanthin; fortified eggs can add omega-3s. Although eggs contain cholesterol (~180 mg per yolk), dietary cholesterol’s impact on blood cholesterol is now understood to be small, and studies show daily eggs may not raise heart-disease risk and can improve cholesterol metrics when part of a balanced diet. To maximize benefits, pair eggs with vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and cook with little added fat (boiled, poached, scrambled, baked). If you have heart-health risk, you might limit yolks (e.g., two eggs with one yolk or two whites). Overall, eggs are a nutritious daily option for most people.

via TODAY.com|

#cholesterol #eggs #health

science16 days ago•36 min saved

Cholesterol triggers a Ral-driven LDLR turnover pathway in the liver

A new study shows that high dietary cholesterol activates Ral GTPases in the liver via increased RAS activity, promoting LDL receptor (LDLR) endocytosis and lysosomal degradation through the RalBP1–REPS1 complex and the lysosomal protease CTSA, independently of PCSK9 or transcriptional control; LDLR levels fall and cholesterol clearance is impaired, with human genetic variants linking this pathway to cholesterol levels. Pharmacological inhibition of Ral or CTSA stabilizes LDLR and improves cholesterol clearance, pointing to a potential new therapy for hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease.

via Nature|

#cholesterol #ctsa #ldlr

health22 days ago•12 min saved

Statins Demystified: Benefits, Risks, and Updated Guidelines

A health feature examines how social media myths about statins skew public perception, while evidence shows statins safely lower LDL and reduce heart attack and stroke risk. It notes online misinformation and under-treatment of women, and highlights the latest AHA/ACC guidelines calling for earlier cholesterol testing (starting around age 30) and shared decision-making. New tests like lipoprotein(a) and apoB, plus possible coronary calcium scans, help tailor treatment. While lifestyle changes remain important, statins can be lifesaving for many patients, with doctors adjusting therapy to individual risk.

via Women's Health|

#cardiovascular-disease #cholesterol #guidelines

nutrition23 days ago•6 min saved

Four Gut-Healthy Grains to Boost Fiber Intake, Say Dietitians

Dietitians emphasize fiber’s pivotal role in digestion, heart health, and longevity, noting that most Americans fall short of daily fiber. The best way to raise intake is through fiber-rich foods, especially whole grains, which provide soluble and insoluble fiber that supports gut bacteria, improves digestion, lowers LDL cholesterol, and aids satiety. Top high-fiber grains include bulgur (about 8 g per cooked cup), barley (roughly 6 g per serving), oats (about 4 g per 1/2 cup dry), and buckwheat (about 4.5 g per serving); other options include spelt, millet, teff, amaranth, quinoa, and popcorn. The Dietary Guidelines advise 2–4 servings of whole grains daily and 25–38 g of fiber per day.

via TODAY.com|

#cholesterol #fiber #gut-health

health27 days ago•19 min saved

Updated Cholesterol Guidelines Meet Halachic Health Ethics

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association issued new cholesterol guidelines: start screening earlier, add a one-time Lp(a) test, use a smarter PREVENT risk calculator, lower LDL targets (below 100 for healthy, under 70 for medium risk, under 55 for high risk), and expand treatment options with newer meds alongside lifestyle changes. The piece also links health stewardship to Jewish law, outlining six mitzvot that emphasize protecting life and well-being and urging individual doctor-guided plans.

via VINnews|

#cholesterol #guidelines #halacha

health1 month ago•2 min saved

Calcium score rises with time despite statins, but diet and LDL goals still matter

Dr. Roach notes that coronary calcium scores typically rise over time—even with statin therapy—and an increasing score on a follow‑up test doesn’t necessarily indicate treatment failure. Calcium scoring is less useful for those already treated. He recommends keeping saturated fat under 6% of daily calories (about 15 g on a 2,000–2,500 kcal diet) and suggests limiting egg yolks (roughly one egg per day or seven per week) while continuing statin therapy with LDL/ApoB targets; the article also covers wound-healing nutrition for older adults, emphasizing adequate protein plus vitamin C and zinc.

via Times Colonist|

#aging #calcium-scoring #cardiology

health1 month ago•2 min saved

Global LDL Cholesterol Map: Korea Lowest, Austria/Germany Highest, with Asian Rise

A global study of 460 million lipid tests across 17 countries finds South Korea has the lowest LDL ('bad') cholesterol, while Austria and Germany have the highest, with Japan, Australia and Switzerland just below high levels; Turkey and the United States also show below-average levels. Diets rich in fermented foods and legumes and low saturated fat may explain Korea's low levels, while higher animal fats and dairy contribute to higher levels elsewhere; genetics (including familial hypercholesterolemia) also plays a role. Over 1980–2018, cholesterol declined in high-income Western nations due to diet changes and statin use, while many low- and middle-income countries saw increases, especially in Asia; men tend to have higher cholesterol than women.

via BBC Science Focus Magazine|

#cholesterol #diet #global-health