Cholesterol

LDL is the cholesterol most associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.

But there is no "right LDL" for everyone. The higher a person's cardiovascular risk, the lower their target is usually.

It depends on your personal cardiovascular profile.

A young person with no other risk factors does not necessarily have the same goal as someone who has diabetes, significant risk factors, or already known cardiovascular disease.

Because the risk of a cardiovascular event differs from person to person.

Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history and existing cardiovascular disease all affect the target.

Not always.

Total cholesterol is only part of the picture. We mainly look at LDL and overall cardiovascular profile.

They are different lipids that give us additional information about the metabolic and cardiovascular profile.

But we do not interpret any number in isolation.

Lp(a) is a predominantly heritable cardiovascular risk factor.

Its values ​​are largely determined genetically, and measuring it can help us better estimate overall risk.

Modern European guidelines support its measurement at least once in adult life.

It is of particular value when there is a family history of early cardiovascular disease or when we want a more accurate assessment of risk.

The decision is not just based on whether a number is "above normal."

We consider LDL and overall cardiovascular risk and decide if lifestyle changes are sufficient or if drug therapy is also needed.

It depends on the reason it was given.

But it should not be stopped because cholesterol has become normal without prior discussion with the doctor. Often the price has improved precisely because the treatment is working.

Yes, and it is an important part of prevention.

Whether it is sufficient on its own depends on how elevated the LDL is and, above all, on overall cardiovascular risk.