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Coenzyme Q10 is involved in producing energy,
protecting cells from damage, and many other
body processes. While a small amount comes
from the diet, most is made in the body.
Lipitor®
(atorvastatin) and other statins can block
the production of coenzyme Q10, leading
to coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Symptoms include
low energy, high blood pressure, heart problems,
and a weakened immune system. Taking a coenzyme
Q10 supplement may help treat or prevent
the deficiency. Talk to your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist about whether a coenzyme Q10
supplement is right for you.
Trade unhealthy fats such as saturated
fats, trans fats, and cholesterol for healthy
fats such as unsaturated fats and omega-3
fatty acids. Try to get 5 to 10 servings
of fruit and vegetables per day and eat
high-fibre foods, such as bran, whole grains
and beans. Choose low-fat dairy products
and lean meats over higher-fat choices.
Remember, when making a diet change, it's
easier to do things in moderation. You don't
have to give up sweets completely - just
don't eat as many. Talk to your doctor,
dietitian, or Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for more information.
The first step is to visit your doctor
for a cholesterol test. For people over
30, a total cholesterol greater than 5.2
is considered high. For those under 30 a
total cholesterol greater than 4.7 is considered
high. (In Canada, cholesterol is measured
in mmol/L. To convert to American values
(mg/dL), multiply by 38.7.)
However, these are general guidelines -
your own target depends on your age and
heart disease risk. Your doctor will develop
a personalized treatment plan for you based
on your risk level and cholesterol target.
Chelation therapy has not been well studied
as a treatment for high cholesterol. This
treatment involves injecting a substance
called EDTA into the veins, where it binds
to (chelates) and removes substances from
the bloodstream.
There has been some research into using
it for atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries), a common complication of high
cholesterol and an early sign of heart disease.
These studies did not show promising results.
As well, chelation therapy may cause kidney
damage, seizures, bone marrow damage, heart
rhythm problems, allergic reactions, and
dangerously low blood pressure.
There are two main reasons why your doctor
might suggest that you quit smoking. First,
smoking can decrease levels of HDL, the
"good" cholesterol that helps
clean fat out of the arteries, and increase
levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that
can become harmful if levels get too high.
Second, smoking can increase the risk of
heart disease by 70%. People with high cholesterol
are already at an increased risk of heart
disease, and smoking will only make this
risk higher. Talk to your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for advice on how to quit.
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