Physiologist; Cheryl Farley, RN II; and Martha Gustafson, RN.
Bridgeport, W.Va.—September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it the perfect time for UHC Cardiac Rehab to go on the road to the Bridgeport Farmers Market and encourage visitors to the market to know their cholesterol levels – and take steps to prevent or reduce high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. People with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels.
Nearly one-third of American adults have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. Fewer than 1 out of every 3 adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. Everyone can benefit from knowing their cholesterol numbers and doing what they can to prevent or reduce high cholesterol levels.
“Uncontrolled cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke,” said Angelina Davis, EP, MS, manager of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at UHC. “High cholesterol has no symptoms, so patients might not know that their cholesterol is too high – unless it’s measured by a doctor with a blood test.”
While some risk factors – such as family history – may be out of our control, there are other ways to reduce or prevent high cholesterol, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and taking medication as prescribed. Adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years.
For more information contact: Matt Chisler Director of Public Relations at United Hospital Center, 681.342.1611
About WVU Medicine United Hospital Center
United Hospital Center (UHC) is the result of a merger between St. Mary’s and Union Protestant hospitals in 1970. This bold move provides North Central West Virginia with a regional community hospital that offers a vast array of services. The new UHC opened in 2010 and is located along I-79 in Bridgeport. The 736,403 square foot structure rises eight stories. It is designed around the environment with patients, family, employees, and community in mind, which includes enhanced patient privacy, a high level of technological integration, and improved access to care. The acute care facility has 292 private inpatient rooms and a medical staff that consists of more than 366 physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals. UHC has more than 2,613 employees and is a member of WVU Medicine (West Virginia United Health System). For more information about UHC, please visit uhcwv.org.
