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Understanding Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

What is ASCVD?

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) happens when fatty deposits full of cholesterol build up in your arteries. This buildup, known as plaque, can narrow or block blood flow, leading to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. Understanding ASCVD is the first step toward protecting your heart health.

Have You Tested Your LP(a)?

What is LP(a)? Lipoprotein(a), or LP(a), is a type of fat in the blood that can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. High levels of LP(a) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, similar to high cholesterol.

Why It Matters: It's important to ask your doctor to test your LP(a) levels, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Unlike other cholesterol types, LP(a) is largely determined by genetics, making early detection crucial.

What should you do?

Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet

  • Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains
  • Choose healthy fats (like olive oil)
  • Limit processed meats and sugary drinks
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Consider a Mediterranean diet

Exercise Regularly

  • 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
  • Walking and cycling are excellent options
  • Staying active strengthens your heart
  • Improves blood flow
  • Raises good cholesterol (HDL)

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

  • Stopping smoking lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. Limited alcohol consumption reduces strain on your heart and manages blood pressure.
  • Consider nicotine replacement therapy
  • Ask about medications to help quit
  • Seek support from healthcare providers
  • Keep drinking to a minimum

Manage Stress

  • Practice regular exercise
  • Maintain a balanced diet
  • Get good quality sleep
  • Try mindfulness or meditation
  • Build social support networks

Managing your health

Monitoring Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Diabetes

Blood Pressure: Aim for readings below 120/80 mmHg. Manage it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups with your healthcare provider.

Cholesterol Levels: Keep LDL (bad cholesterol) low and HDL (good cholesterol) high by eating healthy fats and staying physically active.

Diabetes Management: Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and follow your doctor's advice for medication management.

Medications for ASCVD are crucial for managing your condition. These include statins, antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications help lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Key Tips:

  • Understand your medications and how they help
  • Communicate with your doctor if you have any questions
  • Use tools like pillboxes or phone reminders to stay on track
  • Keep your medication routine simple and easy to follow

Excess weight significantly contributes to ASCVD by leading to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and increased blood sugar levels.

Strategies for Success:

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating
  • Use tools like food diaries and support groups to improve dietary habits

Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking dramatically lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. Consider nicotine replacement therapy or medications to help you quit. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best approach for you.

Limit Alcohol: Keep drinking to a minimum to reduce strain on your heart and help manage blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to high blood pressure and weight gain.

Need more information?

Visit the HeartLife Academy for comprehensive video resources about ASCVD and other cardiovascular health.

Check it out

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