Latest news with #highcholesterol
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm one of the increasing number of young people to have a stroke and was paralyzed at 19... how I made a comeback
Sophia Gedgaudas was just 19 years old when she suffered a life-changing stroke and was given a 15 percent chance of survival. In 2019, Gedgaudas had moved from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to San Francisco to become a pilot with dreams of also joining an NFL team as a cheerleader. However, on February 5, two days after the Super Bowl, Gedgaudas and her family were at her home when she suffered a stroke. According to Gedgaudas's mother Lily, her parents found her laying on the ground completely paralyzed with her mouth drooping. Gedgaudas told 'My entire family had flown in to watch the game and spend the week together.' The aspiring pilot was immediately rushed to the hospital where doctors told her that she had suffered a stroke due to extremely high cholesterol from a hereditary condition known as high lipoprotein (a). Lipoproteins are protein molecules that transport fat in the body, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Elevated levels of these can pose a risk to cardiovascular health. High Lipoprotein (a) is a genetic condition that creates a new form of cholesterol in the body that is similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol but has an additional protein. This new kind of cholesterol causes a buildup of plaque in arteries, triggering inflammation and increased blood clotting, ultimately hindering blood flow to the heart. As a result, people with this condition have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes - even if they take precautionary measures such as eating health and not smoking. About one in five Americans, or around 64 million people, suffer from high lipoprotein(a). In Gedgaudas's case, her condition created a blood clot in her brain that resulted in a stroke. According to the CDC, about 800,000 Americans experience a stroke each year while an estimated 138,000 Americans die from it. While usually associated with older populations, recent data indicates a concerning increase in stroke rates among individuals aged between 18 and 44. About 120,000 Americans under the age of 50 and 1.5 million young adults worldwide suffer a stroke each year. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, substance abuse (including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption), and stress are increasingly recognized as major contributors to stroke in young adults. She told the website: 'It was a complete shock. I've been an athlete my entire life—a state champion gymnast, a black belt in karate, and a competitive dancer and cheerleader. No one ever expected someone like me to have high cholesterol. 'But because of my genetics, my lipoprotein(a) level raised my cholesterol to dangerous levels and that's ultimately what caused my stroke. 'At the time, I was completely paralyzed and could only respond with one word: "yeah." That's all I could say.' Gedgaudas's doctors initially prescribed her a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) - a medication used to treat heart attacks by dissolving blood clots. However, due to the large size of the clot, the medication failed to work and she was forced to undergo a thrombectomy, a procedure where doctors insert a catheter into an artery through the groin to remove the clot. But while doctors were able to successfully remove the life-threatening clot, she was left partially deaf as the stroke damaged parts of her brain responsible for hearing. The intensive surgery combined with the paralysis she suffered left Gedgaudas struggling to recover for three years, relearning how to walk, talk, eat and read. During this time, she watched numerous wrestling matches and decided she wanted to pursue the sport rather than becoming a pilot and cheerleader. The now 25-year-old said: 'My dad would sit with me in the ICU and put wrestling on the TV. My mom says the first time I smiled after the stroke was while watching wrestling. 'Later, my brother took me to a live show, and after we left, I said, "That's what I'm going to do." 'There were days I didn't want to get out of bed. I was angry, I was depressed. But watching wrestling made me believe I could do something again. It gave me hope and purpose.' Once being given the green light by her entire medical team in 2022, she began training to be a professional wrestler. In 2023, she made her debut and quickly became a standout. Now, Gedgaudas is the reigning women's champion at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in Louisville, Kentucky - where wrestling legends John Cena, Dave Batista, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton started their road to stardom. She told 'Being part of OVW means everything to me. There's so much history here and amazing wrestlers that have come through, and I want to be one of the names. I want to show people a disability shouldn't stop anyone from reaching the top.' Gedgaudas continued: 'For a long time, I was embarrassed that I was partially deaf. I saw it as a weakness and didn't want anyone to think I was limited. But over time, I realized it's just part of who I am - and there's nothing to be ashamed of. 'Now, I embrace it. I've learned to adapt in ways that work for me. I've gotten good at reading lips, and in the ring, I naturally turn my good ear toward the sound so I can hear what I need to. Most importantly, I stay super focused. 'By staying locked in, I'm able to catch cues and respond without missing a beat. It's not always easy, but I've found ways to make it work - and even turn it into a strength. 'I have to read matches differently, and I rely on instincts and body language. It forces me to be completely in the moment, and I think it makes me a better performer.' To stay healthy and prevent another stroke, Gedgaudas workouts and follows a special diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins including chicken and fish. For the future, Gedgaudas has global ambitions and hopes to one day wrestle internationally. But for now, her mission is personal. 'I want to wrestle in the UK, Japan, anywhere. But more than that, I want to keep helping people.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP
Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP originally appeared on Parade. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for U.S. adults for a century, according to American Heart Association data. There are many reasons why someone may die from cardiovascular disease, and we can't control all of them. Yet, understanding risk factors and how to control what we can is critical, like managing high cholesterol if you have is one way. However, Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston, explains that lifestyle tweaks like diet are crucial, whether you benefit from medication for cholesterol or not. The good news?"Even minor adjustments to your diet can lead to significant clinical benefits if maintained over time, emphasizing the profound impact of self-care in managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of future heart attacks and strokes," Dr. Kee various factors can complicate even making small changes to your diet, and you may unintentionally be consuming some heart-unfriendly foods. Cardiologists share the one habit to break if you have high cholesterol.🩺 💊 The No. 1 Habit Cardiologists Want People With High Cholesterol To Break ASAP Cardiologists are urging people with high cholesterol to not overlook saturated fat consumption. "We see a significant increase in heart disease risk with high consumption of saturated fats," warns Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health research suggests that saturated fat is more likely to affect cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol, although this can vary from person to person. Not all fats are bad—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that remain liquid at room temperature can have heart-healthy benefits. However, saturated fats, which solidify at room temperature, can pose risks, including higher odds of developing high cholesterol or having complications if you already do. "Saturated fat, typically found in animal products like red meats and full-fat dairy, influences your liver to produce higher levels of LDL—'bad'—cholesterol in your blood," explains , a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor. "LDL cholesterol circulates in your blood and can stick to artery walls, forming plaque. Over time, this plaque narrows arteries—a condition called atherosclerosis—and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes."For this reason, Dr. Suri notes that the American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat consumption to less than 6% of your daily calories."This roughly translates to about 13 grams of saturated fat per day, if someone is consuming 2,000 calories per day," she notes. Related: Why It's Hard To Monitor Saturated Fat—Even With High Cholesterol Limiting saturated fat intake is difficult, even if you've gotten doctor's orders to do so for high cholesterol, concedes Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, MD, MBA, a cardiologist with UnityPoint Health."Controlling saturated fat intake is challenging for many individuals due to its prevalence in a wide array of appealing foods, including many fast-food options, often without obvious labeling," he says. "Frequently unrecognized sources include processed foods, such as ice cream and baked goods."The labels on the front of a food container don't always help you make the best decisions for your cholesterol. "Food labels can be misleading," Dr. Kee reports. "A 'reduced-fat' food might still be high in saturated fat or might contain higher amounts of sugar or sodium, which can confuse consumers trying to make healthier choices." Dr. Kee adds that the current hyperfocus on macronutrients—especially protein—can also lead people to reach for foods high in saturated fat. For instance, red meat is an "excellent" source of protein and saturated fat. Also? We're human. "Lifestyle factors like time constraints often lead individuals to opt for convenience foods, which are typically high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium," he How To Eat Less Saturated Fat It's hard to reduce your saturated fat intake. However, cardiologists emphasize that it's not impossible and is worth doing if you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it. "Reducing saturated fat intake is one of the most effective ways to protect heart health—and it doesn't have to mean giving up on flavor," Dr. Suri how to eat less saturated fat: 1. Prioritize fruits, vegetables and whole grains Deprivation is not on the menu when you're trying to manage cholesterol. Dr. Carstens recommends fiber-rich foods. Think apples, leafy greens and quinoa. "Loading up on these naturally low-fat and high-fiber foods helps displace higher-fat options in your diet and promotes fullness," he time you serve yourself a meal, take a look at your plate. Dr. Kee recommends loading half of it with vegetables. 2. Opt for leaner or plant-based protein Protein is an essential macronutrient, but Dr. Carstens says that choosing leaner cuts or plant-based options can help you cut back on saturated fat intake. Think skinless chicken, fish and legumes. If your cravings call for red meat, opt for a leaner cut. Dr. Kee is a fan of Meatless Monday, though any day to go full-on vegetarian works."Aim for at least one meatless meal per week to explore new protein options," he recommends. 3. Replace saturated fats Remember, "fat" isn't a dirty word, even when you're trying to reduce your cholesterol. The type of fat you regularly use to drizzle on salads or cook with can make a significant difference in your heart health. "Replace saturated fats with healthier options," Dr. Serwer advises. "Some excellent options include olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter or coconut oil." 4. Become a label detective When perusing the grocery store, be sure to look at the back of the food bag or canister, which paints a clearer picture of whether it's heart-friendly. "Many packaged and processed foods contain hidden saturated fats, even ones labeled healthy," Dr. Suri cardiologists emphasize that it's not impossible, and is worth doing if you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it. "A simple guideline is to choose foods with no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per 100 calories," Dr. Kee notes. "However, be mindful that 'reduced-fat' products might compensate with higher sugar or sodium content." 5. Limit eating out Many chain menus post nutrition information, and it's worth taking the time to read. However, Dr. Serwer says opting for home-cooked meals more often than not is a best practice for your heart health (and wallet, if we're being honest). "The best way to reduce saturated fats is to know what you are eating," he says. "Try your best to avoid eating at restaurants where ingredients are unknown." Up Next:Sources: Heart and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association. Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company Dietary saturated fat and cholesterol: cracking the myths around eggs and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Nutritional Science. The Skinny on Fats. American Heart Association. Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor Saturated Fats. American Heart Association. Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, MD, MBA, a cardiologist with UnityPoint Health Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP
Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP originally appeared on Parade. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for U.S. adults for a century, according to American Heart Association data. There are many reasons why someone may die from cardiovascular disease, and we can't control all of them. Yet, understanding risk factors and how to control what we can is critical, like managing high cholesterol if you have is one way. However, Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston, explains that lifestyle tweaks like diet are crucial, whether you benefit from medication for cholesterol or not. The good news?"Even minor adjustments to your diet can lead to significant clinical benefits if maintained over time, emphasizing the profound impact of self-care in managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of future heart attacks and strokes," Dr. Kee various factors can complicate even making small changes to your diet, and you may unintentionally be consuming some heart-unfriendly foods. Cardiologists share the one habit to break if you have high cholesterol.🩺 💊 The No. 1 Habit Cardiologists Want People With High Cholesterol To Break ASAP Cardiologists are urging people with high cholesterol to not overlook saturated fat consumption. "We see a significant increase in heart disease risk with high consumption of saturated fats," warns Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health research suggests that saturated fat is more likely to affect cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol, although this can vary from person to person. Not all fats are bad—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that remain liquid at room temperature can have heart-healthy benefits. However, saturated fats, which solidify at room temperature, can pose risks, including higher odds of developing high cholesterol or having complications if you already do. "Saturated fat, typically found in animal products like red meats and full-fat dairy, influences your liver to produce higher levels of LDL—'bad'—cholesterol in your blood," explains , a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor. "LDL cholesterol circulates in your blood and can stick to artery walls, forming plaque. Over time, this plaque narrows arteries—a condition called atherosclerosis—and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes."For this reason, Dr. Suri notes that the American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat consumption to less than 6% of your daily calories."This roughly translates to about 13 grams of saturated fat per day, if someone is consuming 2,000 calories per day," she notes. Related: Why It's Hard To Monitor Saturated Fat—Even With High Cholesterol Limiting saturated fat intake is difficult, even if you've gotten doctor's orders to do so for high cholesterol, concedes Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, MD, MBA, a cardiologist with UnityPoint Health."Controlling saturated fat intake is challenging for many individuals due to its prevalence in a wide array of appealing foods, including many fast-food options, often without obvious labeling," he says. "Frequently unrecognized sources include processed foods, such as ice cream and baked goods."The labels on the front of a food container don't always help you make the best decisions for your cholesterol. "Food labels can be misleading," Dr. Kee reports. "A 'reduced-fat' food might still be high in saturated fat or might contain higher amounts of sugar or sodium, which can confuse consumers trying to make healthier choices." Dr. Kee adds that the current hyperfocus on macronutrients—especially protein—can also lead people to reach for foods high in saturated fat. For instance, red meat is an "excellent" source of protein and saturated fat. Also? We're human. "Lifestyle factors like time constraints often lead individuals to opt for convenience foods, which are typically high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium," he How To Eat Less Saturated Fat It's hard to reduce your saturated fat intake. However, cardiologists emphasize that it's not impossible and is worth doing if you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it. "Reducing saturated fat intake is one of the most effective ways to protect heart health—and it doesn't have to mean giving up on flavor," Dr. Suri how to eat less saturated fat: 1. Prioritize fruits, vegetables and whole grains Deprivation is not on the menu when you're trying to manage cholesterol. Dr. Carstens recommends fiber-rich foods. Think apples, leafy greens and quinoa. "Loading up on these naturally low-fat and high-fiber foods helps displace higher-fat options in your diet and promotes fullness," he time you serve yourself a meal, take a look at your plate. Dr. Kee recommends loading half of it with vegetables. 2. Opt for leaner or plant-based protein Protein is an essential macronutrient, but Dr. Carstens says that choosing leaner cuts or plant-based options can help you cut back on saturated fat intake. Think skinless chicken, fish and legumes. If your cravings call for red meat, opt for a leaner cut. Dr. Kee is a fan of Meatless Monday, though any day to go full-on vegetarian works."Aim for at least one meatless meal per week to explore new protein options," he recommends. 3. Replace saturated fats Remember, "fat" isn't a dirty word, even when you're trying to reduce your cholesterol. The type of fat you regularly use to drizzle on salads or cook with can make a significant difference in your heart health. "Replace saturated fats with healthier options," Dr. Serwer advises. "Some excellent options include olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter or coconut oil." 4. Become a label detective When perusing the grocery store, be sure to look at the back of the food bag or canister, which paints a clearer picture of whether it's heart-friendly. "Many packaged and processed foods contain hidden saturated fats, even ones labeled healthy," Dr. Suri cardiologists emphasize that it's not impossible, and is worth doing if you have high cholesterol or want to prevent it. "A simple guideline is to choose foods with no more than 1 gram of saturated fat per 100 calories," Dr. Kee notes. "However, be mindful that 'reduced-fat' products might compensate with higher sugar or sodium content." 5. Limit eating out Many chain menus post nutrition information, and it's worth taking the time to read. However, Dr. Serwer says opting for home-cooked meals more often than not is a best practice for your heart health (and wallet, if we're being honest). "The best way to reduce saturated fats is to know what you are eating," he says. "Try your best to avoid eating at restaurants where ingredients are unknown." Up Next:Sources: Heart and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association. Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company Dietary saturated fat and cholesterol: cracking the myths around eggs and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Nutritional Science. The Skinny on Fats. American Heart Association. Dr. Bhavna Suri, MD, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and contributor Saturated Fats. American Heart Association. Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, MD, MBA, a cardiologist with UnityPoint Health Cardiologists Are Begging People With High Cholesterol To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
