MEXICO CITY (EFE).— At least four out of ten Mexican adults live with high cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and, if not treated properly, this problem could increase by up to 40% by 2035, specialists warned yesterday at a conference.
“Cardiovascular diseases are currently the number one cause of death in the Mexican population and, if the risk factors are not modified, this problem will increase dangerously,” warned cardiologist José Luis Briseño.
The specialist explained that one of the factors that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is bad cholesterol, known as LDL, which accumulates in the arteries and prevents the circulation of blood necessary for optimal oxygenation of the body.
“Cholesterol is necessary for the vital development of the body, but when there is an excess it can be harmful to health,” he said.
He added that LDL cholesterol is considered the body’s “silent enemy” because even when present at high levels it does not show symptoms.
However, the body also produces “good” cholesterol or HDL, which helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, since it is denser and helps remove fat.
Dr. Briseño emphasized that the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is highly related to lifestyle.
For this reason, it is essential to keep risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control, as well as to stop smoking if you have the habit.
For his part, Patricio Ochoa, a cardiovascular health specialist, pointed out that up to 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by making some small changes in lifestyle habits.
“We need to educate patients. We are at a point where we can improve information and give importance to sport and an adequate diet.”
She explained that measures such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and combating childhood obesity can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
On the occasion of World Heart Day, which is celebrated on Sunday 29th, specialists have called on the population to improve their lifestyles and undergo monitoring, at least once a year, from an early age.
“Fifty percent of the Mexican population has at least one risk factor for developing this type of disease, so if a person has a family history of these diseases, it is important to have their levels checked annually starting at age 20,” said Dr. Briseño.
He also reminded that cholesterol levels should be assessed on a personal basis, because although there are measurement standards, they are not the same whether one has risk factors or not.
Risk Details
Specialists warn of the increase in cardiovascular diseases in Mexico.
Special attention
“We must take into account that 50% of the population has at least one risk factor for developing this type of disease; therefore, if a person has a family history, it is important to check their (cholesterol) levels annually from the age of 20,” said Dr. José Luis Briseño.
All must be analyzed
He also reminded that cholesterol levels should be assessed on a personal basis, as they are not the same if there are risk factors or if there are no risk factors.
Age decreases
Between 2000 and 2010, the main group of patients was between 60 and 70 years old; now it is between 50 and 60 years old.
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2024-09-26 16:39:21
