When it comes to having a bad combination, bad cholesterol and high blood pressure take the prize. Find out how these two conditions affect you.
According to a new study appearing in Hypertension, having both high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol increases your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 18 to 20 percent. The researchers used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), which is an ongoing community-based study. Furthermore, they tracked the cardiovascular events (e.g.: heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke) of 6,674 MESA participants for almost 20 years.
Study Findings
The researchers found that people with hypertension and elevated lipoprotein levels (high cholesterol) were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. “We found that among people with hypertension who have never experienced a stroke or heart attack before, lipoprotein(a) seems to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and a major cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke,” wrote the researchers.
In response to the study findings, Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California who was not involved in the study, expressed the following:
- “I find the results surprising. The expected finding would be that an elevation in lipoprotein(a) level would lead to a greater risk for cardiovascular events regardless of hypertensive status. However, this study shows that a significant association only holds for those with hypertension. This should prompt us as a community to better study the mechanisms behind how lipoprotein(a) and hypertension interact.”
When the study was conducted, hypertension was defined as more than 140/90 mm Hg. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) revised its guidelines in 2017, defining hypertension as 13/80 mm Hg or higher. In other words, under the new guidelines, a more significant percentage of the participants could be considered to have high blood pressure.
Lowering Lipoprotein and Blood Pressure
“There is little we can do, at least in day-to-day life, to influence [lipoprotein] levels,” says Tadwalkar. “While some medications can decrease levels, they have not yet been shown to reduce cardiovascular event rates, likely due to the inability to sufficiently lower levels.”
However, you may help lower your “bad” cholesterol to a certain degree, as well as your blood pressure levels, by making healthy lifestyle changes. For example, by following heart-healthy diets, exercising regularly, and taking supplements, you may help boost your cholesterol and blood pressure health.
L-arginine Plus is a heart-health supplement that contains ingredients that support your circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall heart health. If you want to help lower your blood pressure levels and cholesterol, then you may get a boost from L-arginine Plus. Stop waiting around and take charge of your health by practicing healthy habits and taking L-arginine Plus.