Home / Health / CC Sabathia's Heart Scare: High Cholesterol's Silent Threat
CC Sabathia's Heart Scare: High Cholesterol's Silent Threat
27 Oct
Summary
- Baseball star CC Sabathia experienced chest pains and vomiting in 2018.
- A blocked artery led to a stent, changing his health perspective.
- High cholesterol often lacks symptoms but dangerously builds plaque.
In 2018, former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia faced a health crisis, experiencing chest pains and vomiting, which were later diagnosed as a blocked artery requiring a stent. This personal experience prompted him to advocate for greater awareness of high cholesterol, a condition often without warning signs.
Cholesterol, a waxy substance vital for cells and hormones, can become dangerous when levels elevate. It contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular monitoring through a lipid panel blood test is crucial.
There are two types: LDL ('bad') cholesterol, which causes plaque, and HDL ('good') cholesterol, associated with lower risk. Triglycerides, another type of blood fat, can also contribute to increased heart disease risk.
Recommended cholesterol levels include total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, LDL <100 mg/dL, HDL >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women, and Non-HDL <130 mg/dL. Triglycerides should be <150 mg/dL when fasting.
Risk factors for high cholesterol include family history, poor diet, limited physical activity, and other health conditions like diabetes. Management involves lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet rich in fiber, regular exercise, and sometimes cholesterol-lowering medications.
