The lower your LDL, the lower your risk says Jennifer Robinson, M.D., epidemiologist at UI Hospitals and Clinics. "New guidelines released this past summer suggest the optimal goal for LDL in people with heart disease or diabetes may be less than 70 (which is quite low); and less than 100 for people with three or more risk factors for heart disease."

Previous guidelines were:

• Less than 100 for people with heart disease, stroke, or diabetes
• Less than 130 for people with three or more risk factors
• Less than 160 in healthy people without any risk factors

"Two studies last year reported than in people who had just had a heart attack, those who had an LDL less than 70 actually had the cholesterol in their arteries start to dissolve, resulting in 20 percent fewer heart attacks over two years of treatment," says Robinson. "This was compared to the other group who had LDL levels close to the old LDL goal of 100.

Another study was done in people without heart disease but three or more risk factors for heart disease (like high blood pressure, smoking or a low level of good cholesterol Ð HDL). "This study showed that those with an LDL level less than 100 had fewer heart attacks than those with LDL levels at the old goal of 130," she says.

"We have known for a long time that to help to prevent heart attacks and stroke, your lifestyle should include:

• A diet moderately low in fat (about 30 percent of daily calories)
• Five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day, plus whole grains
• Moderate cholesterol intake (less than 200 mg/day)
• Weight control
• Regular, moderate physical activity like walking

"We also know that these lifestyle changes help to prevent diabetes and cancer," she says.

For patients who are unsuccessful lowering their LDL levels, the statin class of drugs is a very effective, very safe way to lower cholesterol, says Robinson. "Drugs like Lipitor, Zocor, and Pravachol have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and, in fact, save lives. These life-saving statin drugs are safer than aspirin, and almost one in five American should be taking a statin drug for prevention."

For more information:

UI Heart Care

C.H.A.M.P.S.

Patient education:

Cholesterol and Saturated Fat

Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol: "Good" and "Bad"

High Blood Levels

Low Cholesterol Diet

Lowering Cholesterol

Decrease Your Risk of Heart Attack

Heart Attack and Stroke

For more infomation, please call CHAMPS, 319-356-4652