Overview of American Heart Association Cholesterol Guidelines
The American Heart Association (AHA) provides widely respected guidelines for managing cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol management is essential because high levels of certain types of cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart diseases. These guidelines are designed to help doctors and individuals understand when to monitor cholesterol, when lifestyle changes are necessary and when medication may be needed. AHA cholesterol guidelines What is cholesterol? The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, produce hormones, and make vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol – especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – can cause fat to accumulate in blood vessels. Cholesterol spreads through the bloodstream in particles called lipoproteins. The main types include: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – This is often called “bad cholesterol” because it can deposit in artery walls and cause blockage. High-...