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American Heart Association Gold Award

Our lipid clinic and cardiology department were honored.

Friday, March 27, 2020

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The American Heart Association (AHA) recently honored the Polyclinic lipid clinic and cardiology department with a Gold Award. The award recognizes our work in managing patients’ cholesterol and atherosclerosis (buildup of fats in the blood) for 2018 and 2019.

Gold Award winners managed statin therapy rates of 70% or more of their adult patient population who are at risk for atherosclerosis.

Statins are medications that can lower cholesterol, a waxy substance in the blood. Statins work by blocking a substance in the body that makes cholesterol. They also help absorb cholesterol that builds up in your arteries. 

The AHA’s goal is to lower the number of heart attacks and strokes due to high cholesterol by urging health care professionals to follow the latest treatment guidelines. 

“Our clinics follow evidence-based guidelines to better care for patients with high cholesterol,” said Jessica Durham and Katherine Parikh, ARNPs at the Lipid Clinic. 

Tips for heart-healthy living

You play an active part in keeping in your heart healthy. The goal is to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides because they can cause fatty buildups in your arteries. Good cholesterol (HDL) can help prevent this. Steps you can take include the following. 

Eat a Mediterranean or plant-based diet:

  • Think of animal protein as a side dish. Keep portions to about 3 ounces (one-quarter of your plate). Choose fish, skinless chicken and turkey, lean cuts of meat or plant protein (beans, lentils and tofu).
  • Fill half of your plate with colorful, non-starchy vegetables. Examples include broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, summer squash and cauliflower.
  • Choose healthy fats like avocado, walnuts and almonds in small amounts.
  • Opt for smart carbs that cover one-quarter of your plate. These include whole grains (oats, quinoa, farro and wild rice) and starchy vegetables (sweet potato and winter squash).
  • Eat whole fruit instead of drinking juice. Make water your beverage of choice. 

Get moving:

  • Exercise can improve heart health and weight loss. 
  • Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week.
  • Examples include brisk walking, dancing, gardening and mowing the lawn. 

To learn more about improving your cholesterol through lifestyle changes, talk with your doctor.