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HDL-C: High-density
lipoprotein (the "good") cholesterol protects against
the development of coronary heart disease. It transports cholesterol
from the body cells to the liver, where it is excreted in
bile. Decreased levels are linked to coronary heart disease
risk. Optimal HDL-C level: more than 35 mg/dL.*
LDL-C: Low-density
lipoprotein (the "bad") cholesterol, formed in the
circulation, that transports cholesterol from the liver to
other body tissues. Elevated levels are linked to coronary
heart disease risk. Optimal LDL-C level: less than
130 mg/dL.*
Lipoprotein:
Protein-covered fat particles that help cholesterol and
triglycerides move throughout the body.
Triglycerides: A type of fat, made by the liver or
ingested through the diet, that circulates in the blood. Elevated
levels are associated with coronary heart disease risk. Optimal
triglyceride level: less than 200 mg/dL.
* Optimal Total Cholesterol level: less than
200 mg/dL.
Supported by an unrestricted
educational grant from Pfizer Inc.
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What Your Doctor Means By "Acute Coronary Syndromes"
It seems that almost every time you turn on the news nowadays you
are bombarded with alarming statistics of the "health concern
of the day." In that jungle of data and medical language, however,
there is one constant: More people in the United States die of heart
disease than of any other medical condition.
The term "acute coronary syndromes" describes
the class of major heart-disease–related events that includes
heart attacks, or acute myocardial infarction (acute MI), and unstable
angina (see definitions below). Preventing ACS has emerged
as an important health priority in today's worldwide medical community.
Cardiologists, researchers, and other specialists are investigating
how to reduce the risks for the first ACS in healthy patients and
for a recurring ACS in patients who already survived one.
Traditionally, treatments for ACS include aspirin, prescription
anticlotting medicine, or, in some cases, surgery (an example being
revascularization). In their studies of new ways to treat the problem,
medical researchers are investigating "statins"—or
prescription drugs that improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Research suggests that this treatment may protect patients both immediately
after an ACS (when the risk is highest for a subsequent event and
death) and over the long term. More studies are ongoing in this field.
Your physician can provide you with more information
about this and other types of treatment for coronary events. But remember:
No matter which treatment your doctor recommends, you need to take
an active role and become a true partner in your healthcare plan.
Without your commitment to lifestyle changes—eating a proper
diet, quitting smoking, and getting enough exercise—any treatment
effort will be futile. So, together you and your doctor can make a
big impact on the war against heart disease, thus making "today's
health concern" much less disturbing. 
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Acute coronary syndromes: Adverse coronary events,
such as unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction,
in which the primary culprit is atherosclerosis.
Acute myocardial infarction: Also called acute
MI or heart attack. An MI occurs when blood flow is decreased
or cut off to an area of the heart, and that section of
the heart subsequently dies. Heart rhythm can be disturbed
during a heart attack, sometimes causing sudden death.
Angioplasty: During this procedure, a small balloon
at the end of a catheter is inserted and inflated in narrowed
or blocked blood vessels of the heart muscle, restoring
blood flow.
Atherosclerosis: Also known as hardening of the arteries,
this disease occurs when plaque, or fatty substance, builds
up in the vessel wall, which restricts blood flow.
Events: Episodes or occurrences of a particular nature,
such as cardiovascular.
Heart bypass: This surgery relieves blockages in the
heart muscle's blood vessels. Vein grafts are connected
above and below the blockage, which allows blood to flow
to the heart muscle.
Plaque: Atherosclerotic plaque consists of fatty deposits
on the inner lining of the arteries, blocking blood flow
to the heart muscle.
Revascularization: A surgical procedure that restores
an adequate supply of blood (in this case, to the heart)
by means of a blood vessel graft.
Unstable angina: Commonly experienced as deep or poorly
localized chest or arm pain that occurs when the heart
isn't getting enough oxygen. When angina occurs severely
or with little stress or exertion, it is referred to as
"unstable" and may signify an impending heart attack. |
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