Guidelines Are Catching Up
Eventually the data reaches everyone, and this week's posting of revised cholesterol treatment guidelines is another example. If you follow this link, you will be able to download the document to share with your doctor.
Essentially, the standard of care has been defined so that those with a history of a heart attack, diabetes or coronary artery disease (this includes anyone who has had an agngioplasty or stent) should have their LDL cholesterol lowered to 70 mg/dl. The prior target had been 100 and my book advocates under 80.
Unfortunately, the guideline revisions continue to ignore the vast number of people in our 40's, 50's and 60's (and older) who are considered at low risk. There the guidelines don't seem to be too concerned, concluding it is too expensive to treat the rest of us before a heart attack. After one, we would be treated with statins, medicines safer than aspirin or antioxidant vitamins.
Don't wait for the guidelines to look out for you. Make sure your numbers are optimal.
Look for an excerpt from my book at http://www.changethis.com
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