Saudi Gazette The Saudi Ministry of Health partnered with the American Heart Association in Orlando, Florida, to study and evaluate how well patients with high blood cholesterol levels in Saudi Arabia are managing their condition. The study found that 59 percent of patients who have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol are managing the condition well. These patients succeeded in bringing their blood cholesterol levels back to the normal range by taking their prescribed medications correctly, exercising, and following a balanced nutritional program. The other 41 percent of patients failed to keep their blood cholesterol levels under control, and follow-up tests showed further elevated blood cholesterol levels. Reasons stated for inability to bring cholesterol levels down included not taking prescribed medications regularly and/or in the right dosage and not making any lifestyle and dietary changes. Some 5,000 individuals were included in this study. Consultant cardiologist at King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah Dr. Othman Matwali said: “The study revealed that only 43.91 percent of patients with high blood cholesterol levels are well informed about their condition. Less than half of the patients diagnosed with high blood cholesterol fully understand how they can reduce their cholesterol levels. In addition, only 70 percent of treating physicians were found to clearly explain to their patients the details about high blood cholesterol and how it can be managed. Only 70 percent of physicians take the time to educate patients on the causes, preventive measures, and both the medical and natural methods for cholesterol reduction.” More research in the Kingdom will be conducted on the use of more effective cholesterol reduction drugs and treatments in compliance with the highest international health care standards. Public health education and increased awareness campaigns are also necessary to encourage regular physical exercise, minimized consumption of saturated fats, and increased consumption of high fiber fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Taking a brisk walk for 35 minutes every other day can reduce blood cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. Health professionals also recommend periodic blood tests for cholesterol and lipid levels. The incidence of high blood cholesterol levels has sharply increased in recent years, and 54 percent of the Saudi population has high blood cholesterol. The President of Continuing Medical Education at the Saudi Heart Association, Dr. Khalid Al-Nimr, said, “The rise in cholesterol levels is a result of the urbanization of the Kingdom in recent years. The pattern of modern day living includes lack of exercise and eating unhealthy foods and fast foods, which contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels.” Dr. Al-Nimr advises: “Stay away from foods high in saturated fat and follow a weight loss diet if you are overweight. Regular exercise has been proven to lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart attacks, which is the number one cause of death in the world. Follow your physician's guidelines when it comes to taking medications, and get regular blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels.” __
