Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the fats or lipids in the blood. It is essential for the normal functioning of the body since it helps build the cells of the body.

However, too much of cholesterol in the blood is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Medications like statins are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, in times of crisis, like a pandemic, many people might discontinue their cholesterol treatment due to reasons like financial constraints, accessibility, or fear of visiting hospitals, putting themselves at high risk of developing fatal cardiovascular diseases.

What happens when cholesterol treatment is terminated?

Terminating cholesterol treatment during a crisis can put a person at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.

When the cholesterol levels in the blood increase, the excess cholesterol sticks to the walls of the blood vessels, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow or block the blood vessels’ opening, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause the following complications:.

Complications of atherosclerosis

• Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscles, leading to a heart attack
• Cerebrovascular disease: Narrowing or blocking of blood vessels in the brain, leading to a stroke
• Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing or blocking of blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing pain and discomfort

Why do people terminate their cholesterol treatment during a crisis?

There could be several reasons why people might discontinue their cholesterol treatment during a crisis. Some of the common reasons are:.

Financial constraints

During a crisis, people might face financial difficulties, and medications like statins could be expensive. As a result, they might discontinue their treatment or take smaller doses than prescribed.

Accessibility

In times of crisis, healthcare services might be limited or overwhelmed. People might find it challenging to access healthcare facilities and obtain their medications. As a result, they might discontinue their treatments.

Fear of visiting hospitals

In times of crisis, people may fear visiting hospitals or clinics due to the fear of contracting the disease or the restrictions on movement. As a result, they might discontinue their treatments.

Related Article The dangers of discontinuing cholesterol medication during a healthcare emergency

Consequences of terminating cholesterol treatment

The decision to terminate cholesterol treatment during a crisis can have severe consequences on a person’s health. It could result in the following:.

Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

Terminating cholesterol treatment could result in the buildup of excess cholesterol in the blood, leading to narrowing or blocking of blood vessels. This could increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.

Progression of existing cardiovascular diseases

People who have already developed cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease could see their condition worsen when they discontinue their cholesterol treatment.

The increased amount of cholesterol in the blood could lead to plaque formation, leading to a heart attack.

Difficulty in managing cholesterol levels later

When people discontinue their cholesterol treatment, their cholesterol levels could increase significantly. When they restart their treatment, it might be challenging to bring the levels back to normal.

This could require higher doses or different medications, leading to more significant side effects.

Conclusion

Terminating cholesterol treatment during a crisis could be fatal for people at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The financial, accessibility, or fear-related reasons that might lead to people discontinuing their treatment can have severe consequences on their health. It is essential to find alternative solutions like telemedicine or home delivery of medications to ensure people continue their treatments during a crisis.