Mind the GAC - We Care For Every Heartbeat

MIND THE GAC: General Awareness Cholesterol

At Daiichi Sankyo we care for every heartbeat. Our goal is to protect people from cardiovascular disease through our expertise in providing innovative medicines, and to help those who suffer from it. As well as our commitment to providing medicines for a diverse range of patients, we support the clinical community and healthcare ecosystems across Europe to ensure that we are able to help those who are affected by cardiovascular disease today.

Do we truly understand the impact of our diet on cholesterol?

MIND THE GAC is our initiative aimed at raising awareness among patients and healthcare professionals about the importance of cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and its connection to nutrition. By delivering impactful information and raising disease awareness, we strive to foster positive changes in cardiovascular care, empowering people to take control of their health. For more information, visit the MIND THE GAC section on our website to learn more about the campaign.

Many dietary habits are known to negatively affect cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is essential to avoid these habits to maintain a healthy heart. For instance, consuming excessive amounts of saturated fats and trans fats can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease.¹ High sodium intake is also linked to hypertension, which is another risk factor for cardiovascular issues.¹ An unhealthy diet, characterized by these poor eating habits, is a significant risk factor for elevated LDL cholesterol levels.² By adhering to a healthy diet, individuals can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases by 14% to 21%.³

By adhering to a healthy diet, individuals can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases by 14% to 21%.³

Now, the challenge is MIND THE GAC.

DISCOVER HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT CHOLESTEROL AND NUTRITION
IN JUST 2 MINUTES

Check your knowledge here!

LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
1. Better Health Channel. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ heart-disease-and-food. Last accessed July 2024; 2. Cleveland Clinic. LDL. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ health/articles/24391-ldl-cholesterol. Last accessed July 2024; 3. NIH. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2020/study- following-variety-healthy-eating-patterns-may-help-lower-your-risk-heart-disease. Last Accessed July 2024.

Did you know that more than 50% of people have elevated LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels in Europe’s largest countries, totalling more than 130 million people?¹

Elevated LDL cholesterol levels significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, a group of conditions responsible for over 10,000 lives lost daily in Europe alone, with 60% of coronary heart disease cases and 40% of strokes linked to high LDL cholesterol levels.^2,3

What is LDL cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat), which plays an important part in the structure and function of cell membranes and is required for the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D.⁴ Around 80% of it is produced naturally in the body and only about 20% comes from the food we eat. It is transported in the blood bound to proteins, forming 'lipoprotein' particles.⁴

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred as “bad” cholesterol, delivers cholesterol to body tissues but can cause plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and developing CVD (cardiovascular disease).^4,5

Who is affected by high LDL cholesterol levels?

Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can affect anyone, including young people who eat well and exercise regularly.⁶

However, those over 40 are more likely to have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, as are people with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition characterized by very high LDL cholesterol levels at any age.^7,8

Your heart in your hands: cholesterol

Would you like to learn more about the public perceptions and
attitudes toward cardiovascular disease?

Download European survey here.

CVC: cardiovascular disease; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein colesterol.

1. European Parliament. High cholesterol – a chronic illness neglected in Europe. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-8-2015-003568_EN.html. Last Accessed July 2024; 2. European Heart Network. European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2017 Edition. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/european-cardiovascular-disease-statistics-2017.pdf?rev=533659bdd2864e5fa5502e8c9c43e07e. Last Accessed July 2024; 3. Policy Analysis Centre. European Cholesterol Guidelines Report. Available at: https://policy-centre.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/European-Cholesterol-Guidelines07.pdf. Last Accessed July 2024; 4. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. How it’s made: Cholesterol production in your body. 2017. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-its-made-cholesterol-production-in-your-body. Last Accessed July 2024; 5. Bhatt, A. Cholesterol: Understanding HDL vs. LDL, Harvard Health Publishing. 2018. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/understanding-cholesterol-hdl-vs-ldl-2018041213608. Last Accessed July 2024; 6. Heart UK. What is high cholesterol? Available at: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/what-is-highholesterol#:~:text=Anyone%20can%20have%20high%20cholesterol,different%20things%2C%20including%20your%20genes. Last Accessed July 2024; 7. Mayo Clinic. High Cholesterol. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800#:~:text=Age.,able%20to%20remove%20LDL%20cholesterol. Last Accessed July 2024; 8. British Heart Foundation. Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/familial-hypercholesterolaemia. Last accessed July 2024.

What risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing elevated LDL cholesterol levels?

Familial
hypercholesterolaemia

People with diabetes also have an increased risk of having high cholesterol.³
Further, diabetes can cause damage to the linings of the arteries, making it more likely that cholesterol will stick to them, thus narrowing, or blocking the artery.³

Diabetes

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is characterised by very high LDL cholesterol levels, caused by the liver being less able to remove LDL-cholesterol from the blood stream.¹
As an inherited condition, developing familial hypercholesterolaemia is not something that can be controlled as it is passed down through families.²

Stress

Increased levels of the “stress hormone” (cortisol) in the bloodstream causes the liver to release LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream.⁴
Further, diabetes can cause damage to the linings of the arteries, making it more likely that cholesterol will stick to them, thus narrowing, or blocking the artery.³

Lifestyle

Eating foods which contain high levels of saturated fats, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and fast food can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.⁵
A lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can promote the production of LDL cholesterol particles that damage artery walls.⁶
Additionally, smoking can lower HDL cholesterol levels and increase LDL cholesterol levels, leading to cholesterol buildup in damaged areas.⁷

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LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
1. Healthy-Heart.org. Cholesterol. Available at: https://www.healthy-heart.org/keep-your-heart-healthy/cholesterol/. Last accessed July 2024; 2. Heart UK. Understand your cholesterol test results. Available at: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/understanding-your-cholesterol-test-results-. Last accessed July 2024; 3. Cleveland Clinic. LDL. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24391-ldl-cholesterol. Last accessed July 2024; 4. Cleveland Clinic. Antihyperlipidemic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antihyperlipidemic. Last accessed July 2024; 5. Bosworth HB, et al. The importance of cholesterol medication adherence: the need for behavioural change intervention programs. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018;12:341–348.

Lifestyle changes can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10-15%¹

Understanding your LDL cholesterol may help you consider the steps to take to reduce the impact it has on your quality of life.²

Lifestyle changes can play a pivotal role in managing high LDL cholesterol levels, especially for individuals with no genetic factors causing their elevated LDL cholesterol.³

Learn what you can do to control and reduce LDL cholesterol:^1,3

Consulting a healthcare professional, getting your LDL cholesterol levels tested, discussing test results with them, and working alongside them to create a personalised treatment plan are crucial steps to maintain a healthy LDL cholesterol level and prevent any associated complications.⁴ If medication is prescribed, it is important to stick to your treatment plan as adherence to medication to lower LDL cholesterol levels has been associated with a 25% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease.⁵

Do you want to know more about the public perception
of cardiovascular diseases in Europe?

Download infographic here.

LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

1. Healthy-Heart.org. Cholesterol. Available at: https://www.healthy-heart.org/keep-your-heart-healthy/cholesterol/. Last accessed July 2024; 2. Heart UK. Understand your cholesterol test results. Available at: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/understanding-your-cholesterol-test-results-. Last accessed July 2024; 3. Cleveland Clinic. LDL. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24391-ldl-cholesterol. Last accessed July 2024; 4. Cleveland Clinic. Antihyperlipidemic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antihyperlipidemic. Last accessed July 2024; 5. Bosworth HB, et al. The importance of cholesterol medication adherence: the need for behavioural change intervention programs. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018;12:341–348.

With the MIND THE GAC campaign

—our mission is to help you understand the crucial link between cholesterol and diet!

Daiichi Sankyo Europe developed this campaign with support of the European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA). ENHA is a multistakeholder network of leading scientific societies and patient organizations at the European, national and regional levels, established in 2005. ENHA aims to lead and support healthcare professionals and policymakers to secure proper nutritional care for those in need, ultimately leading to a healthy and resilient population in the Europe.

Why it matters

Food and Cholesterol: Did you know about 20% of the cholesterol in your blood comes from what you eat? ¹ Your diet plays a big role in managing your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Healthy Eating, Healthy Heart: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can lower your LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart risk.² It has been found that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 14-21%.³
So, let’s "MIND THE GAC" together! Make informed food choices and take a proactive step towards a healthier heart.

LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

1. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. How it’s made: Cholesterol production in your body. 2017. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-its-made-cholesterol-production-in-your-body. Last Accessed July 2024; 2. Cleveland Clinic. LDL. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24391-ldl-cholesterol. Last Accessed July 2024; 3. NIH. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2020/study-following-variety-healthy-eating-patterns-may-help-lower-your-risk-heart-disease. Last Accessed July 2024.

1. Medilineplus. Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know. Avaiable at: https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html. Last Accesed August, 2024; 2. Bhatt, A. Cholesterol: Understanding HDL vs. LDL, Harvard Health Publishing. 2018. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/understanding-cholesterol-hdl-vs-ldl-2018041213608. Last Accesed August, 2024; 3. Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. How it’s made: Cholesterol production in your body. 2017. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-its-made- cholesterol-production-in-your-body. Last Accesed August, 2024; 4. Cleveland Clinic. LDL. Available at: https://Consultingahealthcareprofessionalmy.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24391-ldl-cholesterol. Last accessed August 2024. 5. Diab A, et al. A Heart-Healthy Diet for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Where Are We Now? Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2023;19:237-253; 6. Fundación Española del Corazón. Pirámide de salud. Avaiable at: https://fundaciondelcorazon.com/nutricion/piramide-de-alimentacion.html. Last Accesed August, 2024.