Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in three deaths in the United States. According to new guidance by the American Heart Association, people who are at risk of heart disease should be taking early precautions to lower cholesterol in their 30s. Health experts say prevention at a younger age can significantly reduce long-term complications and improve overall quality of life.
Dr. Saman Manzouri, an Optum primary care physician, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the importance of lowering cholesterol and how people can reduce the risk of heart disease.
“One of the many things we can do to target lowering that LDL is medication,” Manzouri said. “But the principle of lowering cholesterol is living a healthier lifestyle.”
The diet that Dr. Manzouri suggests is the Mediterranean diet. This diet has everything that is needed to lower LDL. The diet consists of lean meats, fish, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. It is also known to help fight against high blood pressure and diabetes.
Experts say the longer a person lives with higher levels of LDL cholesterol, the more likely they are to develop heart disease. However, early detection and treatment can help lower the risk as people get older. Routine blood work and regular checkups can help catch warning signs before serious problems develop.
One medication that has been recommended is statins, which are rumored to have side effects, but Manzouri thinks otherwise.
“Statins are one of the best medications you can be on for cholesterol,” he said.
He went on to explain how statins are among the most effective medicines available, dramatically lowering the chances of heart attack, stroke and possibly dementia. He stressed that when paired with a healthy lifestyle, statins can be a powerful tool for long-term heart health.
