(NAPSA)—High cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke andis estimated to cause nearly 2.6 million deaths annually. Yet, a survey from the American Heart Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who have high cholesterol don't think they're at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. == “My Cholesterol Guide” is a new, on- line tool that provides information, practical tips and downloadable resources to help the more than 94.6 million Americans living with high cholesterol. ‘The guideis the latest offering from the American Heart Association, the world’s lead- ing voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. Whatit is Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance found in all cells of the body. Elevated levels of blood cholesterol can create blockages in the arteries and is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack andstroke. “People with high cholesterol usually don't have symptoms, so unless you get tested, you may notrealize you need treatment,’ said Ann Marie Navar, M.D., Ph.D., a volunteer member of the Asso- ciation’s Cholesterol Advisory Committee and an Assistant Professor of Cardiology at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham,N.C. “Even though wehave a lot ofevidence about the benefits and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment, the chal- lenge is that cholesterol remains underdiagnosed and subsequently undertreated.” Whatto do ‘The best way to manage high cholesterol is a multipronged approach, including diet, exercise and medication if cholesterol levels remain elevated, she said. ‘The challenge is that many people don’t recognize their risk due to some of the following misconceptions about cholesterol. Myths and Facts Nowis the time to understand and manage your cholesterol. high in your 30s and 40s, you increase yourrisk for heart disease by more than 30 percent,’ Navarsaid. Myth 3—Thin people don’t have high cholesterol. Overweight people are morelikely to have high cholesterol, but even people who maintain a healthy weight and regular exercise can have high cholesterol. “Since genetics does play such an important role, some people may be doing everything right andstill have high cholesterol,” she said. Myth 4—If the nutrition label showsno cholesterol, a food is “heart healthy.” Nutrition labels can be helpful, but you should read beyond the amountof cholesterol a food contains. “It’s important to look for saturated fats, trans fats and added sugars because these all affect our heart health and cholesterol levels,’ Navar said. Myth 5—Only people with “high” cholesterol need medicine to lower their cholesterol. Myth 1—High cholesterol isn’t a concernfor children. High cholesterol can be hereditary. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that can cause early heart disease. If someone is diagnosed with extremely high cholesterol or familial hypercholesterolemia, it’s important that all family members gettested, including young adults and children, so “Even people whose cholesterolfalls within what we would call ‘normal’ range can benefit from having cholesterol-lowering medication if they have Myth 2—You don’t need a cholesterol check until you’re middle-aged. Check.Change.Control.Cholesterol initiative, supported by Sanofi and Re- that treatmentisi’'t delayed, Navarsaid. Getting your cholesterol checked starting at age 20 and talking with your health provider to ensure you understand whatit means is crucial because getting treated early can play an importantrole in reducingtherisk of heart disease. “For every decade your cholesterolis other risks for heart disease or stroke,” Navarsaid. “Beyond just your cholesterol numbers, knowing your overall risk of heart disease can help determineif you needto be ontreatment.” Whereto learn more The American Heart Association's generon, has information and resources for identifying and managing your cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors. Visit www.heart.org/cholesterol for further facts, and www.heart.org/ MyCholesterolGuide to download the free guide.
