News

Cardiovascular disease claims more lives across the globe every year than any other disease or condition, and many of those fatalities are credited to heart disease. Though the terms “cardiovascular disease” and “heart disease” are often used interchangeably, the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute notes that, while all heart diseases are cardiovascular diseases, not all cardiovascular diseases are heart diseases. This is an important distinction, especially as adults discuss heart and cardiovascular health with their physicians.

High cholesterol levels are often associated with adulthood. However, children also may experience high cholesterol, which can affect their long-term health. Pediatric high cholesterol, like its adult counterpart, refers to high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL can lead to fatty deposits that cause hardening of the arteries. Complications such as heart attack, stroke and early severe diseases are possible, according to Children’s Health. John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital warns that heart disease has its roots in childhood. Therefore, it is important to be aware of children’s cholesterol levels, as high levels can increase kids’ chances of heart disease and stroke as adults. Childhood obesity, eating a diet high in trans fat and saturated fat, and having a parent or close family member with high cholesterol are risk factors for children. A pediatrician can be consulted and a lipid profile prescribed to check cholesterol levels. Lipid profiles are recommended between ages nine and 11, and again between ages 17 and 21.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths is due to heart disease, even though the disease is largely preventable.

The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Oklahoma Gov.

WASHINGTON — Portions of the long-awaited Georgia special grand jury report on former President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election were released Thursday, shedding little new light on the closely watched probe, but raising questions that cannot yet be answered.