(EDITORS NOTE: September is National Cholesterol Education Month)
Q I love fast food, but what is all the grease doing to my heart? J.G., Tucson
AYou may be increasing the chance of heart disease and possibly a heart attack in the future.
Saturated fats used in processed foods can lead to high cholesterol. Saturated fats come from animal sources, like hamburgers or grease, and lard or butter that are used to cook some fast foods.
To lower your intake of saturated fats and high cholesterol foods, stay away from lunch meats, hot dogs, fatty meats and toppings made with cream cheese and sour cream.
If you must have a fast-food fix, check the restaurant menu. Many restaurants deep-fry french fries in vegetable oil and make low-fat burgers. Hamburgers that are grilled -- not fried -- are more healthful.
—Gordon A. Ewy, M.D., director, The University
of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, and professor of medicine, The
University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson
AHSC consists of The University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, the School of Health Professions, University Medical Center and The University Physicians
Editors Note: ASK AHSC is published by the AHSC Office of Public Affairs. ASK AHSC is available on the Internet at www.ahsc.arizona.edu/opa/answers. To receive ASK AHSC via E-mail, call (520) 626-7301.
Health questions should be sent to: ASK AHSC, AHSC Office of Public Affairs, PO Box 245095, Tucson, AZ 85724-5095, or E-mail to: jspinell@u.arizona.edu. The information here is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. For referral to a UA Physician, please call University Health Connection, (520) 694-8888.
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