Cholesterol & Heart Health
Cholesterol management is an important part of health care; and one of the key elements of preventing chronic problems such as cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol is linked to heart disease and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Simple tests from your GP will reveal your personal cholesterol levels and your degree of risk; and she may recommend treatment as part of a cholesterol reduction programme.
Diagnosing high cholesterol
A blood test to analyse cholesterol levels is straight forward. The sample will be tests for LDL and HDL cholesterol, and the results of your overall cholesterol levels, as well as a detailed breakdown, will be available within 24 hours.
High levels of cholesterol are not always connected with excess weight. Your personal cholesterol levels are determined both by your diet and your genes, and although they are also affected by your weight and your exercise habits, feeling ‘healthy’ is not a guaranteed that your levels are low.
Palpitations and Chest Pains
Having palpitations can be worrying – Am I having a heart attack? Is there something wrong with my heart? Typically, palpitations are more likely to be connected to anxiety; they may be triggered by an excess of caffeine; they may be a reaction to a sudden burst of exercise; for some people they are linked with a panic attack. A visit to GP Dr Laila Kaikavoosi for a personal check up will review your heart health and explore ways to reduce your symptoms.
Assessing Heart Health
Testing your cardiovascular health begins in the GP consulting room. Your GP may refer you for more detailed tests from a cardiovascular consultant in London for more tests. These may include an echocardiogram to assess the valves and other structures of the heart or an angiogram which looks more closely at the coronary arteries.
Reducing Cholesterol
Statins are widely used to combat high cholesterol. It is not necessarily the course of action your GP will recommend; but if statins are suggested, our advice is always to combine statin use with dietary and lifestyle changes. Your GP will advise you and may refer you to one or more members of the team at Viveka (e.g. nutritionist, life coach, fitness consultant).
Weight Problems, Anxiety or Stress?
Please follow the links if you are concerned about your weight, or you are struggling with high levels of anxiety, or would like to reduce stress in your life.
