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Dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by excessive bad cholesterol in the body, might sound unfamiliar to Filipinos, but experts want to change that, especially with alarming data at hand.
According to 2013 data from the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute, 47.2 percent of Filipino adults exhibit borderline to high total cholesterol levels, while an equally concerning 47.5 percent show borderline to high levels of bad cholesterol.
This escalating prevalence underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and effective management of the disease. As such, Sanofi Philippines and A. Menarini Philippines recently organized a disease management awareness event titled “Lipid Talks: Managing Bad Cholesterol.”
The event featured endocrinologist Dr. Mia Fojas and cardiologist-intensivist Dr. Jude Erric Cinco, who provided practical disease management information and advice for patients with dyslipidemia.
Dr. Fojas explained that cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body and travels through the bloodstream as lipoproteins. “There are two main types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or 'good cholesterol' and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad cholesterol.' Having too much of the latter in the body is concerning as it can pose serious health risks.”
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Dr. Cinco, meanwhile, highlighted the effects of uncontrolled levels of bad cholesterol on a person's cardiovascular functions. “Elevated levels of bad cholesterol can clog the arteries and result in severe complications like stroke and heart attack, both of which are among the top causes of death in the country.”
The experts emphasized that anyone can increase the risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels if they have a poor diet, are obese, do not exercise, smoke, or drink too much alcohol.
Although dyslipidemia is more common in people over 40, children can have it too. Alarmingly, the disease can be asymptomatic, making it difficult to diagnose.
“The only way to know if you have unhealthy levels of bad cholesterol is by getting a blood test,” Dr. Fojas said. “It is important that Filipinos regularly consult with their doctors so they can better understand how to prevent and manage it.”
In conclusion, Dr. Fojas simplified the measures patients can take to lower bad cholesterol levels.
“First, we can help control it by reading food labels — avoiding trans fat — and choosing fruits and vegetables over foods that could elevate it.
“Second, I want to emphasize that we should check our cholesterol levels to know where we are at.
“Finally, I advise consulting a doctor and approaching bad cholesterol management scientifically. I'm aware some patients may be reluctant to take maintenance medicine due to the cost, but a stay in the Intensive Care Unit due to bad cholesterol complications will always be more expensive.”
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
