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The latest data as recorded by the American Heart
Association shows an alarming rate of high
cholesterol levels among Americans. Any total
cholesterol level above 200 milligrams per deciliter
of blood (written mg/dL) is considered borderline
high. Extremely high total cholesterol is any
reading above 240 mg/dL and one that puts you at
risk for heart disease, liver failure, and other
health problems. Here is some information that may
help you better understand this epidemic of American
health.
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107 million, or 1
in 5 adults, has cholesterol levels above 200
mg/dL.
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Almost 38 million
more have levels above 240 mg/dL.
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More women over
age 45 have high cholesterol than men.
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Almost 30 million
prescriptions are written each year for
cholesterol lowering drugs, accounting for $20
billion in annual sales for the pharmaceutical
industry.
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Americans spend
$10 billion per year on the statin drug, Lipitor
alone
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In 2001, the
statin drug, Baycol used to lower cholesterol
was taken off the market due to toxic side
effects.
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Most drugs
prescribed today to lower cholesterol are statin
drugs.
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Asians on average
have an LDL cholesterol level of less than 95
because of their low fat diet. Anything under
100 for LDL cholesterol is considered good.
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Diet and lifestyle
changes, without the use of drugs, have been
shown to decrease LDL cholesterol in one year’s
time by 40 percent on average (from 144 down to
87 mg/dL.)
Everyone above the age of 20 is advised to have
their cholesterol checked at least once every 5
years, according to the National Cholesterol
Education Program (NCEP). If you have a family
history of high cholesterol or other risk factors,
blood cholesterol should be checked even more
often. It is possible to control cholesterol levels
with diet and exercise, by maintaining a healthy
weight, and by consuming the right mix of vitamins
and minerals. To learn how to lower cholesterol
naturally, get your copy of The 60 Day Prescription
Free Cholesterol Cure.
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