The Great Cholesterol Showdown: Win the Battle for a Healthier Heart

WELCOME

Thank you for joining me on this journey. My name is Jason Youngs and on December 9, 2022 I found out I have Coronary Artery Disease. I decided to document my journey to recovery on TikTok. It adds accountability for me, as well as an opportunity to educate others, while I educate myself. I use words and concepts that are easily understood. I am not a doctor and this is for educational use only. Thank you for joining me and sharing in my journey.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart and can lead to heart attack or stroke. While some risk factors for CAD, such as genetics, cannot be changed, there are many modifiable risk factors that we have the power to control. One of these risk factors is cholesterol.

What is the problem with CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is a substance found in the body that helps to produce hormones and other important substances. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow or block them. This can lead to CAD.

I've heard CHOLESTEROL is good for me. TRUE?

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the blood and prevent it from building up in the arteries.

Dr. S, my PCP, has been running lab work on me for many years. The part that is important to me right now is the Lipid Panel. Here's what it looks like.

How can I improve my CHOLESTEROL?

To improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of CAD, there are several things you can do. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and increase your HDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of CAD.
  

• Exercising regularly. This can help to raise your HDL cholesterol levels and lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which can improve your overall cholesterol numbers and reduce your risk of CAD. I like the Amazon Halo View fitness tracker from Amazon to make sure that my heart rate is at least 130 bpm during my workout. Get it here.
  

• Limiting your alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of CAD.
  

• Quitting smoking. Smoking can damage the walls of your arteries and increase your LDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of CAD.
  

• Reducing stress through activities such as meditation or yoga. Chronic stress can increase your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of CAD. Journaling has really helped me with my stress reduction since I was diagnosed with CAD. I use this "Beautiful People" Heart Health Journal from Amazon.

• Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of CAD.
  

• Taking medications, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, to manage your cholesterol levels. There are several medications available that can help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and raise your HDL cholesterol levels, which can improve your overall cholesterol numbers and reduce your risk of CAD.
  

• Getting regular cholesterol tests to monitor your levels and make any necessary lifestyle changes. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly by your healthcare provider to ensure that they are within a healthy range.

By making these changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly improve your cholesterol numbers and reduce your risk of CAD. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for managing your cholesterol levels and maintaining heart health.

Author- Jason Youngs, TikTok Educator

Email: MrJasonYoungs@gmail.com