The drumbeat to avoid a high fat diet and eat lots of "heart healthy" fruits and vegetables is virtually nonstop. And it is getting louder—with good reason.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke from atherosclerosis is to bring your cholesterol levels within limits recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program. But no matter how hard some people strive to be "at goal" for total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol), they never quite cross the finish line.
Midwest Heart Specialists cardiologist Alan Brown, M.D., is the architect of our Cholesterol Management Program. Prior to 1985, when the program opened, all too often the typical scenario for patients diagnosed with abnormally high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) was a stern warning about clogging heart arteries with fatty plaque followed by a pep talk on diet and exercise. Many patients went home brimming with good intentions. Some made initial progress. But eventually most fell back into their old habits. Dr. Brown recognized that ongoing patient education and systematic follow-up were two absolutely critical pieces of an effective program of cholesterol management.
The key to our success is the way our physicians, nurses and patients work as "partners". Each patient is assigned to a nurse case-manager. Patients are taught what medications, diet, tests and treatments are necessary, and why. Follow-up support, done on a one-on-one basis, helps puts the brakes on any backsliding.
There is one more thing that sets our program apart from others. Results.
A 1998 study showed our program was 700 percent more effective at helping patients achieve their LDL goals, compared to 250,000 patients with heart disease in a nationwide study done a year earlier.
Our program is sited as a model of excellence by the National Cholesterol Education Program.
To date, more than 4,000 patients have enrolled in our program and about 4,500 physicians and registered nurses in the U.S., Europe and China have attended seminars, lectures and tutorials given by Midwest Heart Specialists.
Our reputation may be global, but our focus is on patients.
For additional information about the Cholesterol Management Program at Midwest Heart Specialists call us at (630) 527.2765.
Definitions
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis or hardening of the carotid arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the brain. The carotid arteries are located on either side of the neck. If these arteries become completely blocked, it could result in a stroke.
HDL
HDL or "good" cholesterol, helps remove the LDL from the bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL help decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
LDL
LDL or "bad" cholesterol is the component that clogs the arteries. Elevated levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease, stroke or other health problems.