What Ulcerative Colitis Patients Should Know About Cholesterol Control
Introduction:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. It is a condition that causes sores within the digestive tract and can lead to symptoms such as urgent need to defecate, loose stools, bloody stools, stomach cramps or pain, and chronic diarrhea. The number of people diagnosed with UC has doubled in the last two decades, with approximately 200 out of 100,000 Americans currently affected by this condition. While UC patients tend to have lower cholesterol levels than individuals at risk of heart attacks and strokes, they are still at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This article will explore the relationship between UC and cholesterol control, highlighting important facts and treatment options for UC patients.
Understanding the “Lipid Paradox” in UC Patients:
Researchers in the Netherlands conducted a study that found UC patients have lower levels of total cholesterol, HDL-c, and LDL-c compared to the general population. This observation is most prominent in patients with active disease, and it is known as the “lipid paradox.” The inverse correlation between lipid levels and inflammatory markers is what sets UC patients apart from individuals who face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, this paradox does not directly cause lower cholesterol levels in UC patients. Instead, it is believed that the debilitating nature of the condition, which can lead to reduced food intake and weight loss, contributes to these lower levels.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in UC Patients:
Despite their lower cholesterol levels, UC patients still face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A multi-university study discovered that UC patients are also more likely to experience heart failure, although the reasons behind this are not yet clear. The lipid paradox could play a role in this increased risk, but further research is needed, particularly in prospective clinical trials, to establish a definitive connection. Additionally, investigations have revealed that IBD patients may have fewer antimicrobial cells, making them more susceptible to certain types of bacteria, such as E.coli. This bacterial invasion can worsen inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular complications.
The Importance of Cholesterol Control in UC Patients:
For UC patients, managing inflammatory bowel disease is crucial, but maintaining cholesterol levels within a healthy range is equally important. Lower cholesterol levels are not a direct consequence of UC itself but result from the impact of active disease on food intake and weight loss. To minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, UC patients should focus on controlling inflammation in the digestive tract while keeping their cholesterol levels in check.
Treatment Options and Cholesterol Effects:
Statin therapy, which is commonly used to treat high cholesterol, has shown promise in preventing and reducing the severity of UC. Not only can statins help maintain cholesterol levels, but they have also been found to decrease the likelihood of UC patients needing colon surgery by up to 50%. However, it is worth noting that two newer therapies for moderate to severe UC may affect cholesterol levels differently. Tofacitinib and upadacitinib may raise a patient’s cholesterol, but this change is typically transient and does not require specific treatment. Regular cholesterol checks are recommended for UC patients undergoing these therapies to monitor any fluctuations that may occur.
Connecting Diet and UC Symptoms:
In addition to medical interventions, dietary changes can also play a role in managing UC symptoms. Collaborating with a healthcare professional to create a personalized diet plan can help reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and maintain overall health. Working closely with a healthcare provider ensures that UC patients receive appropriate nutrition while managing their condition effectively.
Conclusion:
Ulcerative colitis patients, although characterized by lower cholesterol levels, still face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The lipid paradox observed in UC patients has highlighted the need for further research to understand the connection between UC and heart-related complications. While statin therapy has shown promise in managing UC and preventing cardiac issues, it is essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the best treatment options suited to their individual needs. Maintaining a healthy diet, managing inflammation, and monitoring cholesterol levels are essential aspects of UC management. By staying informed and actively engaging in their healthcare, UC patients can lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their condition and keeping heart-related risks at bay.
Summary:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by sores in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as urgent needs to defecate, loose and bloody stools, stomach cramps, and chronic diarrhea. Despite having lower cholesterol levels, UC patients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The “lipid paradox,” which refers to the inverse correlation between lipid levels and inflammatory markers, is observed in UC patients. However, lower cholesterol levels in UC patients are not caused directly by the condition but rather by the impact of active disease on weight loss and reduced food intake. Managing UC symptoms while keeping cholesterol levels in check is vital for patients. Statin therapy has shown promise in preventing and reducing the severity of UC, but it is essential for patients to work closely with healthcare providers to find the right treatment options. Collaboration on dietary modifications is also crucial for controlling inflammation and managing symptoms effectively. By actively engaging in their healthcare and staying informed, UC patients can lead fulfilling lives while maintaining heart health.
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June 29, 2023 – What should ulcerative colitis Do patients know about cholesterol control?
Is My dear that 200 out of 100,000 Americans have ulcerative colitis or UC. And that is a figure that has doubled in the last 2 decades. UC is a inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The condition occurs in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum, causing sores within your digestive tract. UC can alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission.
UC patients not only have to deal with the treatment and management of IBD-related digestive problems, but are also at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk exists despite the fact that UC patients tend to have lower cholesterol levels than patients thought to be “traditionally” at risk of heart attacks and strokes.
a new study of researchers in the Netherlands found that the cardiovascular risk factors of IBD patients may be underestimated due to the absence of things like high cholesterol.
“IBD patients show lower levels of total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL-c, compared to the general population,” said the study co-author. Dr. Jasmijn Sleutjes, researcher at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam. “This observation is most clearly seen in patients with active disease. It is known as the so-called ‘lipid paradox’: the inverse correlation between lipid levels and inflammatory markers.”
A recent multi-university study found that UC patients also face an increased risk of heart failure, although it is not yet clear why.
The lipid paradox could be a possible reason,” said the study co-author. Chayakrit Krittanawong, MDa cardiologist practicing in New York City.
“We need more data on this, particularly prospective clinical trials,” he said.
Lower cholesterol levels are not directly caused by UC itself. Rather, the reason why people with UC often do not have high cholesterol it has to do with how debilitating the condition can be.
“Patients with active ulcerative colitis can lose weight by limiting their food intake because of their intestinal symptoms, and this in turn can lead to lower cholesterol levels,” he said. Dr. David T. Rubinprofessor of medicine at the University of Chicago and chairman of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee.
For UC patients, it is important to control inflammatory bowel disease while keeping cholesterol in a healthy range.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundationsigns of UC may include:
- urgent need to defecate
- loose stools
- bloody stool
- stomach cramps or pain in the belly
- Chronic diarrhea
The severity of UC symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have only mild problems, while for others, UC can have a serious impact on quality of life.
What are the symptoms of heart disease and stroke?
He CDC says The symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the specific condition.
symptoms of a myocardial infarction These include pain or discomfort in the chest, upper back, or neck, as well as nausea, vomiting, severe tiredness, feeling light-headed, or shortness of breath. Heart failure signs include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, or swelling of the legs, feet, ankles, stomach, or neck veins.
signs of a stroke we go abruptly, says the CDC. They include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; difficulty speaking; vision problems in one or both eyes; difficulty walking or loss of balance or coordination; and a severe headache.
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Why are UC patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease?
New investigation from the University of California, Riverside, discovered that IBD patients may have fewer antimicrobial cells that protect the body against E.coli bacteria a form of E.coli called invasive adherent (AIEC), can increase IBD and worsen inflammation.
Investigation has previously pointed to the fact that during outbreaks, IBD patients have triple the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. This is thought to be due to increased inflammation in the body while IBD symptoms are present.
“The increased risk of cardiovascular disease in IBD is likely related to the patient’s chronic inflammatory burden, which also plays a role in the gradual development of atherosclerosis,” Sleutjes said.
What treatment options can help with UC and how do they affect cholesterol?
Interestingly, although UC patients tend to have lower cholesterol levels, statin therapy – medicines used to treat high cholesterol – have shown promise in preventing UC. And a Stanford University study found that statins taken by UC patients can also reduce their chances of needing colon surgery by up to 50%. UC patients may also have fewer symptoms when using statins, because the drugs reduce the patterns of gene activity in the UC itself.
Two other drugs, tofacitinib and upadacitinib, can also help treat moderate to severe UC. These drugs can actually raise a patient’s cholesterol. (It should be noted that two of the newer therapies to treat moderate to severe UC affect cholesterol levels.)
“Cholesterol in about 20 [to] 30% of people will go up 10%,” Rubin explained. “However, this can be transient. HDL, ‘good cholesterol,’ and LDL, ‘bad cholesterol,’ go up at the same time. We don’t usually treat this change in cholesterol.”
People who have UC symptoms or a diagnosis should work with their doctor to find the right treatment option. In addition, it is important to have regular cholesterol checks, due to the fluctuations that therapy can cause.
“There are no specific guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis that recommend cholesterol monitoring, but the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults know their cholesterol, given its known association with atherosclerotic disease,” he said. Rubin.
Focus on your diet with your doctor to reduce UC symptoms, stay on top of your nutrition, and make sure your cholesterol stays in a healthy range. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has guides Getting Started You can stay in control of your health and feel better.
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