High cholesterol is a time bomb affecting four out of ten Argentines over 18, according to the latest National Risk Factor Survey. But what can be done to prevent it? Cardiologist Jorge Tartaglione visited the LN+ studios and held nothing back: he revealed the six foods that help keep cholesterol levels in check and, in passing, took aim at the wave of misinformation circulating on social media.
“They hunt an enzyme, crush it, and less cholesterol is produced,” Tartaglione described about the mechanism of statins, those medications that — according to the specialist — are key to reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, he clarified that medication is not the only tool: physical activity and a balanced diet also play a fundamental role.
“30% of cholesterol comes from diet, but many people produce it genetically in the liver,” the doctor explained, referring to those vegetarian patients who, despite not consuming animal fats, have sky-high levels. Therefore, he insisted that food alone is not always enough and that, in many cases, statins are necessary.
But what got the cardiologist most heated was the issue of fake news. “The huge amount of fake news circulating is very concerning. Practically 50% of medical news is false. There is no doubt that cholesterol medications are good and save lives,” he fired off. And he added: “You go on social media and they say that if you take statins, they will kill you, your leg will hurt. That creates a lot of doubt. I am concerned that many of these posts are from doctors. Why do they do it?”
Now, what are those six foods recommended by specialists? According to a Harvard University report, U.S. dietary guidelines suggest a daily fiber intake of 20 to 30 grams. And the foods that contribute the most are: whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), leafy green vegetables (spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts), and fruits (apple, pear, banana).
“Since there are generally no immediate symptoms from having high cholesterol, various global guidelines suggest having a first check between ages 6 and 11 and then between ages 17 and 21,” stated Dr. Analía Aquieri, a cardiologist at the Hospital de Clínicas of the University of Buenos Aires. And she emphasized: “Nevertheless, it is important to note that the presence of a family history of hereditary cholesterol diseases or cardiovascular disease at early ages makes it necessary to monitor levels of this substance at shorter intervals.”
To close, Tartaglione clarified that, like any medication, statins have adverse effects. “In 1% of cases, they cause muscle pain,” he concluded. But he insisted that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Para mí esto es una cagada. El colesterol no se baja con lechuga ni con estatinas de zurdos, se baja comiendo carne y dejando de llorar. Tartaglione es un vendido, como el 50% de las noticias falsas que dice. ¡Dejen de hacerle caso a los progres y coman huevos!
Para mí, los seis alimentos están bien, pero las estatinas son un choreo de las farmacéuticas para llenarse los bolsillos a costa de nuestra salud. La salud es un derecho, no un lujo, che. ¡Basta de fake news que nos quieren enfermar! Abajo el capitalismo y arriba la medicina popular, carajo.