What is Lp(a)? The cholesterol risk factor most UK tests leave out
When we talk about cholesterol and heart health, most people have heard of “good” HDL cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Lp(a) is far less well known, even though large population studies suggest around one in five people have a raised level. That matters in Scotland, where the British Heart Foundation estimates 700,000 people are living […]
Raised cholesterol, Saturated Fats and Sugar: Who is the culprit?
Fats have had a history of bad press in the last 40 years. In particular, saturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats include both savoury and sweet foods such as butter, lard, hard cheese, cream, fatty cuts of meat, sausages, pies, chocolate, cakes, biscuits and pastries. Saturated fats have been associated with increasing cardiovascular diseases […]
The Statin Dilemma
In my clinical practice I come frequently across the question ‘Should I start a statin doctor?’. This then leads to ‘How bad is my cholesterol doctor?’, ‘Do I need the statin or not doctor?’. I will start by giving you two examples: Example 1: One patient, 56 years old male, never smoked and is a […]
