Cholesterol deposits can form plates that overcome the arteries.
Cholesterol is a molecule being part of the lipids. Cholesterol molecules travel in the blood and are transported to cells thanks to “vehicles”: HDL (Hight Density Lipoproteins) vehicles and LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) vehicles. HDLs recover excess cholesterol molecules so that they are recycled or eliminated by the liver while LDL end up depositing in the arteries. These deposits can form atheroma plates that block the arteries and promote cardiovascular accidents such as the stroke or myocardial infarction.
Several types of stroke exist: “The hemorrhagic stroke caused by vascular malformations and very little influenced by cholesterol;‘Hemorrhagic stroke due to high blood pressure and‘Stroke caused by heart rate disorders or by the presence of atheroma plates “ explains Dr. Sophie Bauer, chest and cardiovascular surgeon. “”Vascular cerebral accidents related to cholesterol are those linked to the presence of atheroma plates in vessels intended to feed the brain. “
The European Cardiology Society (ESC) recommended that you have an LDL cholesterol less than 1 g/L for the entire population in order to reduce cardiovascular risk. For Dr. Bauer “Ideally, the LDL cholesterol level should be less than 0.7 or even 0.5 grams per liter of blood (G/L)”. Blood taking is the benchmark exam. In the event of a high level of cholesterol in the blood, screening examinations such as echo-doppler can be requested. If atheroma plates are visible to the Doppler echo, medical treatment is essential to prevent the vascular accident.
Primary prevention consists of a hypocholesterolizing diet. “You have to reduce your consumption of fatty cheeses and replace them with 0 %yogurts, favor fish and white meat rather than red meat. Sauces, butter, cream and cold meats are to be banished” advises the doctor. Without forgetting to move every day. “”In the event of low hypercholesterolemia, physical activity coupled with a suitable diet is often sufficient to regulate cholesterol levels “ says Dr. Bauer. If hygieno-dietetic measures are not enough, drugs are prescribed.
Interview with Dr. Sophie Bauer, chest and cardiovascular surgeon.
