Olympians team up to educate about healthy cholesterol levels and about the risk of cardiovascular disease

With the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Pfizer has developed the "Go for the Goal" initiative to educate the public about cholesterol as a risk factor for heart disease. Pfizer and the IOC Medical Commission share a commitment to research excellence that improves and encourages the health, well-being and athletic performance of all people.

Elevated cholesterol has no symptoms and can occur in anyone, even in top Olympic athletes like Christopher Dean and Mark Spitz. During a routine physical, Christopher Dean, of the UK Olympic Gold Medal skating duo Torvill and Dean, learned that he had high cholesterol. In addition, he also has a family history of cardiovascular disease, which is a major factor in compounding his overall risk. With his doctor's guidance and regular exercise, Dean lowered and currently maintains his cholesterol at a healthy level.

"As an athlete, learning that I had high cholesterol was very disconcerting, especially with heart disease in my family," said Dean. "Now I am more vigilant than ever about maintaining my cholesterol goal through diet, exercise, and routine visits with my doctor."

Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz, who holds the record for the most Gold Medals won in a single Olympic Games, was diagnosed seven years ago with cholesterol levels above 300 mg/dL (7.75 mmol/l) -- a number well above the recommended level of 190 mg/dL (5.0mmol/L). Since that time, he has worked with his physician to lower his cholesterol dramatically through exercise and by taking the cholesterol-lowering medication known in most countries as Lipitor�.

"I've been an athlete all my life and have always maintained a healthy, active lifestyle through exercise and a balanced diet," said Spitz. "I was shocked when I was diagnosed with high cholesterol because I had no symptoms at all. But with the help of my doctor, I started a cholesterol reduction plan and began taking the cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor�."

Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, is responsible for approximately 17 million deaths worldwide each year. By 2020, CHD alone will claim 11.1 million lives annually. According to European medical guidelines, in addition to high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol), healthy individuals may be at risk for developing CHD because of other health and lifestyle factors, including: low levels of HDL ("good" cholesterol), raised triglycerides, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of early heart disease, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and a diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories.

"In response to the increasing prevalence of heart disease, medical guidelines around the world are becoming more aggressive in screening and managing patients," said Prof. Martin Cowie, Professor of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, United Kingdom. "It is critical that physicians and patients initiate a dialogue about cholesterol and heart disease in order to reverse the rising trend in illness and death."

The Pfizer/IOC Medical Commission partnership aims to eliminate physical inactivity by enhancing the body, will and mind of athletes and the public alike through further scientific study of movement, exercise and sport. This research is crucial to improving human movement, providing preventative care, and better managing disease states for people who seek to live a healthy lifestyle. As part of this commitment, Pfizer endows four major IOC Medical Commission initiatives, including the IOC Olympic Prize on Sports Sciences, Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research on Sport Sciences, IOC Olympic World Congress on Sport Sciences, and IOC Olympic Academy on Sport Sciences.

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