During the lifespan drive a person drives a car from point A to point B and the car has two pedals, accelerator and brake. Minimal pressure on accelerator and maximum pressure on brake extends the journey of life.

Somethings are not under our control. Genetic factors can pre-dispose some of us to have high levels of Lipoprotein that in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Somebody who is born with low Lipoprotein are only gently tapping the accelerator, while someone who is born with a high Lipoprotein is speeding towards the cliff edge. Lifestyle changes could be one way to slam the brake.

Similar is the case of Apolipoprotein B that in high levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Taking medication to bring down level of Apolipoprotein B will be the equivalent of applying the brake.

One condition that has the effect of pressing harder on the accelerator is having uncontrolled type-2 diabetes and associated hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia is the condition where the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than what is considered a healthy level. Wrong level of insulin changes the amount of LDL that you have in circulation thus pressing even harder on the accelerator.

Smoking is one activity that has the effect of hammering on the accelerator.

Essentially we have a car that we can’t stop, but we can really slow it down to a dull roar and that can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes and possible medication.