Africa-Press – Cape verde. Cardiologist Fernando Tavares stated today that poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle are the main factors behind the increase in high cholesterol cases in the country. Fernando Tavares made this statement as part of World Cholesterol Day, celebrated annually on August 8th to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and controlling high cholesterol, considered a risk factor for the development of various cardiovascular diseases.
According to the specialist, the situation of the disease in the country is “stable,” but the 40- to 45-year-old age group is the most frequently diagnosed, with a prevalence in men due to excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor diet.
According to this specialist, cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for the proper functioning of the body, but excess cholesterol can lead to obstructions in the heart’s arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The specialist emphasized that there are two types of cholesterol: HDL, which is considered “good” when under control, and LDL, which is “bad” cholesterol and, in excess, is harmful to health.
Lifestyle changes with a proper diet and regular physical activity are essential to controlling blood cholesterol levels and contributing to the treatment of this disease.
According to the same source, treatment for those with high cholesterol levels is through medications that reduce cholesterol levels, such as statins or fibrates, with appropriate medical supervision.
Regarding the types of fats that can increase cholesterol levels, he highlighted trans and saturated fats, such as milk and dairy products, fatty beef, fatty foods, processed foods and processed foods like sausages, butter, stuffed cookies, and fried foods.
For a healthy diet, he recommended eating plenty of fish rich in omega-3, vegetables, legumes, fruits, olive oil, whole grains, and reducing the consumption of high-fat foods, alcoholic beverages, and sugars.
Fernando Tavares explained that if a person diagnosed with this condition rejects a healthy lifestyle, their cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight gain can increase, all of which can be harmful.
“All of this can lead to the development of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and consequently, increases the patient’s cardiovascular risk and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction and stroke,” he warned.
On this World Cholesterol Day, the doctor advised everyone to put their health first, pay attention to the foods they eat, and encourage increased physical activity.
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