The ATP III
The ATPIII is considered to be the most authoritative document on cholesterol in America. It was released by the National Cholesterol Education Program. It gives guidance to physicians and those in the health care field on how to address high cholesterol levels in America. It answers the why, what, how, and why of cholesterol treatment. Some components of the ATP III sound familiar, but other sections may surprise you. We are highlighting some of the sections so you feel more informed as you approach the cholesterol issue.
Understanding ATP III and Your Cholesterol
The beginning of the document makes it clear what the focus of treatment is: LDL cholesterol. This is the form of cholesterol that is considered the “bad” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol to the cells to be utilized. If there is not enough cholesterol carried away after it is delivered it can build up in the arteries. The build up of cholesterol in the arteries can lead to a decrease in blood flow. If blood flow to the heart is cut off it can cause a heart attack.
It’s Fact
Out of all the substances that contribute to heart disease, LDL has the most well studied and most direct link with heart disease. Other factors influence heart disease as well, but LDL has been chosen as the main target. Other factors that increase your risk for heart disease, risk factors, are used to influence how low LDL cholesterol should be.
In the next blog we will give you a breakdown of the numbers and the risk factors that influence where those numbers should be.