New Guidlines for High Cholestrol Treatment

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On November 12, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released new guidelines on how to treat high cholesterol.  The new guidelines essentially recommend physicians prescribe medication, a cholesterol-lowering drug called statin, if you answer yes to any of the following questions:
1.              Do you have heart disease?
2.              Do you have Type I or II Diabetes?
3.              Is your LDL cholesterol > 190?
4.              Is your 10 year risk of a heart attack > 7.5%?
The new guidelines no longer focus on the lab values for LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, instead it looks at risk factors.  The new guidelines have a focus on medications, instead of MNT. Medications always have a risk of negative side effects, however the side effects of changing lifestyles, dietary choices, and behavior are typically positive. 
The research has not shown that taking statin drugs will prolong life.  Healthy behaviors, such as eating a balanced diet, and exercise will reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart attacks and stroke.  Our society is always looking for a quick fix to chronic illnesses, when we really need to be looking to lifestyle changes to improve the quality of life.  
I am not advocating eliminating medications to treat chronic illnesses with medications and prescriptions, but a lifestyle and diet change should also be part of the prescription, along with referral to dietitians.

AW

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/12/health/cholesterol-guidelines/index.html?hpt=he_c2

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