Putting in the Effort

Heart disease is still considered one of the leading killers globally. People are now putting in the added effort to lower their 'bad' cholesterol levels, which is generally known to induce cardiovascular disease. 10,000 people in 9 countries were examined and proved to have taken an active role in lowering their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in a number of different ways. According to Forbes, "73 percent had reached their target level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) -- nearly double the number since the survey was first conducted in 1996-1997. Three-quarters of those surveyed were on a statin drug to lower cholesterol (for an average duration of about two years), while others either used different medications or made only lifestyle changes, such as improved exercise and nutrition regimens, to try to bring down their LDL levels, the researchers found." Alongside taking added caution in cholesterol levels, such high risk patients are generally urged to get regular heart check-ups. Smokers, diabetics, obese people and those with family history are some of the highest risk candidates, especially when coupled with high cholesterol and blood pressure.