Cholesterol, High Health Article

Other treatments

A study released in 1999 indicated that blue-green algae contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that lower cholesterol. The algae, known as alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B₃, has been shown to reduce LDL levels by 10–20%, and raise HDL levels by 15–35%. It also can reduce triglycerides. But because an extremely high dose of niacin (2–3 g) is needed to treat cholesterol problems, it should only be taken under a doctor's supervision to monitor possible toxic side effects. Niacin can also cause flushing when taken in high doses. Soy protein with high levels of isoflavones also have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol by up to 10%. A daily diet that contains 62 mg of isoflavones in soy protein is recommended, and can be incorporated into other diet regimens, including vegetarian, Asian, and low glycemic.

Prognosis

High cholesterol is one of the key risk factors for heart disease. Left untreated, too much bad cholesterol can clog the blood vessels, leading to chest pain (angina), blood clots, and heart attacks. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. By reducing LDL, people with heart disease may prevent further heart attacks and strokes, prolong and improve the quality of their lives, and slow or reverse cholesterol build-up in the arteries. In people without heart disease, lowering LDL can decrease the risk of a first heart attack or stroke.

Prevention

The best way to prevent cholesterol problems is through a combination of healthy lifestyle activities, a primarily low-fat and high-fiber diet, regular aerobic exercise, not smoking, and maintaining an optimal weight. But for people with high risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes, and being over the age of 45, these measures may not be enough to prevent the onset of high cholesterol. There are studies being done on the effectiveness of some existing anti-cholesterol drugs for controlling cholesterol levels in patients who do not meet the criteria for high cholesterol but no definitive results are available.

BOOKS

Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Pharmacist: Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 2000.

Ingels, Darin. The Natural Pharmacist: Your Complete Guide to Garlic and Cholesterol. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1999.

Murray, Michael T. Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs. New York: William Morrow & Co., 1999.

Trubo, Richard. Cholesterol Cures: From Almonds and Antioxidants to Garlic, Golf, Wine and Yogurt. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1996.

PERIODICALS

Carter, Ann. "Cholesterol in Your Diet." Clinical Reference Systems (July 1, 1999): 282.

Marandino, Cristin. "The Case for Cholesterol." Vegetarian Times (August 1999): 10.

Schmitt, B.D. "Treating High Cholesterol Levels." Clinical Reference Systems (July 1, 1999): 1551.

VanTyne, Julia, and Davis, Lori. "Drop Your Cholesterol 25 to 100 Points." Prevention (November 1999): 110.

ORGANIZATIONS

National Cholesterol Education Program. NHLBI Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov>.

Ken R. Wells

KEY TERMS

Atherosclerosis—A build-up of fatty substances in the inner layers of the arteries.

Estrogen—A hormone that stimulates development of female secondary sex characteristics.

Glycemic—The presence of glucose in the blood.

Hypertension—Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries.

Legumes—A family of plants that bear edible seeds in pods, including beans and peas.

Lipid—Any of a variety of substances that, along with proteins and carbohydrates, make up the main structural components of living cells.

Polyunsaturated fats—A non-animal oil or fatty acid rich in unsaturated chemical bonds not associated with the formation of cholesterol in the blood.