ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Nov. 12 Nearly one in three adult Americans have triglyceride (trig) levels that are above normal and nearly 34 million have low HDL "good" cholesterol levels. To help increase awareness about the importance of HDL and trigs, Abbott has launched two Web sites: www.knowyourhdl.com and www.knowyourtrigs.com.
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"Unhealthy high triglyceride and low HDL levels are factors that can raise the risk of heart disease," said Eliot A. Brinton, M.D., associate professor, University of Utah, School of Medicine. "Understanding cholesterol and lipids, fats found in the blood, can be confusing, but it's important patients know what HDL and triglycerides are and how they can affect heart health."
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Often, cholesterol conversations center on LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. These Web sites focus on commonly overlooked HDL and trigs and the role they play in health. Other information featured includes tips on diet, exercise and how patients can talk to their doctor about their risk factors for heart disease.
"Abbott has a long-standing commitment to patient education and providing tools patients need to take a proactive approach to managing their health," said Darryl Sleep, M.D., Dyslipidemia project director, Abbott. "These new Web sites encourage education, a healthy lifestyle and communication with physicians to help patients better understand important heart disease risk factors."
About HDL Cholesterol
There are two sources of HDL cholesterol: the liver and food. According to the American Heart Association, a low level of HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women) may increase the risk of developing heart disease. However, a high level of HDL cholesterol (60 mg/dL or more) may protect against heart disease.
About Triglycerides
Triglycerides are lipids, fats found in the blood, made by the body and found in food. In normal amounts (less than 150 mg/dL), triglycerides help provide energy and are important to one's health. However, high amounts of triglycerides (200 mg/dL or more) can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, making it hard for blood to flow and increasing the risk for heart disease.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.
SOURCE Abbott
