Risk factors or not

Hi:

I have almost all the risk factors for heart disease however, all readings are normal with the aid of medications and diet and exercise (my 6.5 total cholestrol is now 4.5 with 10 mg crestor and 6.1 a1c down to 5 with 500 mg metformin and my 150/95 blood pressure down to 130/85 with 50 mg atanolol).

My question.

Are they (cholestrol, blood sugar, blood pressure) still considered to be risk factors when it comes to evaluating my chances for a heart attack or since they are under control (with the aid of medication though not without) they are no longer a risk factor? Thanks.

[erijon]

Cholesterol is considered a modifiable risk factor meaning it can be controlled. Once under control, you have less of the bad cholesterol (LDL) and more of the good (HDL) and the risk is no longer there. Remember, a good lipid panel is a total cholesterol under 200, an LDL under 130 (unless you have other risk factors or CAD then it should be under 100 or 70 respectively) an HDL over 40 and triglycerides under 150. These are currently considered optimal numbers.

Hope this helps!

Jon