HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that is a natural component of all the cells of the body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any added cholesterol, which comes through the foods you eat, can cause harm.

High cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When there is too much cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can create sticky deposits (called plaque) along the artery walls. Plaque can eventually narrow or block the flow of blood to the brain, heart, and other organs. And blood cells that get caught on the plaque form clots, which can break loose and completely block blood flow through an artery, causing heart attack or stroke.

The normal range for total blood cholesterol is between 140 and 200 mg per decilitre (mg/dL) of blood (usually just expressed as a number). However, the total number doesn't tell the whole story: There are two types of cholesterol -- HDL (high density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol) and LDL (low density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol). The amount of HDL relative to LDL is considered a more important indicator of your heart disease risk. There is a third kind of fatty material, triglycerides, found in the blood. They also play a role (generally as triglyceride levels rise, "good" HDL cholesterol falls). When you have high cholesterol, it usually means you have high levels of LDL cholesterol, normal or low levels of HDL cholesterol, and normal or high levels of triglycerides.

More Americans are diagnosed with high cholesterol every year. While heredity may be a factor for some people, the main culprits are lack of exercise and diets high in saturated fat. High cholesterol can be prevented, sometimes with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) alone. If these do not work, your doctor may recommend medications to lower your cholesterol levels.

Signs and Symptoms:

There usually aren't any symptoms of high cholesterol, especially in early stages. The only way to tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test.

Causes:

In some cases, high cholesterol levels may be inherited -- your liver may make too much cholesterol, or your body may not remove LDL from your blood as efficiently as normal. High cholesterol or triglycerides can also be associated with other diseases, such as diabetes. But most often high cholesterol is caused by eating foods high in saturated fat and not getting enough exercise. High cholesterol is more common in people who are overweight or obese, a condition that affects almost half of U.S. adults.

Risk Factors:

Some factors increase a person's risk of having high cholesterol. While some of these cannot be changed, many can be. The most important risk factors for high cholesterol are:

• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in saturated fat and trans fatty acids (found in processed and fried foods)
• Not getting enough exercise
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes

Diagnosis:

Most people don't have any symptoms of high cholesterol. A blood test is the only way to check levels of cholesterol in your blood. If your levels are above 200 mg/dL or your HDL is below 40, your doctor may do a fasting lipid profile (a test performed after you abstain from food for 12 hours).

Although cholesterol levels above 200 are generally considered high, what's considered safe for each person depends on whether you are at risk for, or have, heart disease.

Total cholesterol levels:

• Desirable: Below 200 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200 - 239
• High: Above 240

LDL cholesterol levels:

• Optimal for people with heart disease or who are at high risk: Below 70 mg/dL
• Optimal for people at risk of heart disease: Below 100
• Optimal: 100 - 129
• Borderline high: 130 - 159
• High: 160 - 189

HDL cholesterol levels:

• Poor: Below 40 mg/dL
• Acceptable: 40 - 59
• Optimal: 60 or above

Triglyceride levels:

• Optimal: Below 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150 - 199
• High: Above 200

Adults with normal total and HDL cholesterol levels should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If you have high cholesterol, you should be checked every 2 - 6 months. You should have liver function tests as well if you are on cholesterol-lowering medication.

Preventive Care:

Most people can lower cholesterol levels by eating a well balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and losing any excess weight.

Diet

A healthy diet can help you lose any extra pounds. Even losing just 5 or 10 pounds may help lower your cholesterol. To eat a healthy diet:

• Cut down on saturated fats and trans fats. No more than 10% of your daily calories should come from saturated fat, and you should avoid trans fats completely. Based on data from 4 studies, it is estimated that a 2% increase in energy intake from trans fats increases the incidence of heart disease by 23%. Choose unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and canola oil, instead.
• Eat whole grains -- whole wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, oat bran, and brown rice.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. Studies show that plant based diets are associated with decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol of up to 15%.
• Limit cholesterol in your diet. The highest amounts are found in egg yolks, whole milk products, and organ meats.
• Eat fatty fish. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat at least 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon or herring) each week.
• Eat phytosterols and stanols found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and fortified food products, such as orange juice, yogurt, margarine spreads, and salad dressing. Studies show that eating spreads enriched with phytosterols per day reduced total cholesterol by up to 11% and LDL cholesterol by up to 15%.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has developed dietary guidelines that help lower fat and cholesterol intake and reduce the risk of heart disease. The AHA does not recommend very low fat diets, because new research shows that people benefit from unsaturated ("good") fats, such as those found in olive oil, in their diet.

Many fad diets are popular, but they may not help you lose weight and keep it off -- and in some cases, they may not even be healthy. Any healthy diet will include a variety of foods. If a diet bans an entire food group (such as carbohydrates), it's probably not healthy.

For healthy eating, eat a balanced diet that emphasizes fruit and vegetables:

• Grains: 6 - 8 servings per day (half should be whole grains)
• Vegetables: 3 - 5 servings per day
• Fruits: 4 - 5 servings per day
• Fat free or low fat dairy: 2 - 3 servings per day
• Lean meat, poultry, seafood: 3 - 6 oz. per day (about the size of a deck of cards)
• Fats and oils: 2 - 3 tbsp. per day (use unsaturated fats such as olive oil or canola oil)
• Nuts, seeds, legumes: 3 - 5 servings per week
• Sweets, sugars: 5 or fewer servings per week (the fewer, the better)

In addition, the American Heart Association also recommends eating 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon, herring, or lake trout) per week; holding sodium (salt, including salt already added to food) to less than 2,400 mg per day; and limiting alcohol intake to 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men. However, moderate alcohol consumption may help lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels.

The TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) diet is recommended for people who have high cholesterol. With the TLC diet, less than 7% of your daily total calories should come from saturated fat, and only 25% -35% of your daily calories should come from fat, overall. Sodium should be limited to 2,400 mg per day. If these steps don't lower your cholesterol, your doctor may suggest adding more soluble fiber to your diet, along with plant sterols (found in cholesterol lowering margarines and salad dressings).

The Mediterranean style diet concentrates on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and moderate, daily wine consumption. This diet is not low fat. It is low in saturated fat but high in monounsaturated fat. This diet is naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. It appears to be heart healthy: In a long term study of 423 patients who had a heart attack, those who followed a Mediterranean style diet had a 50 - 70% lower risk of recurrent heart disease compared with people who received no special dietary counseling.

Losing Weight

Being overweight increases risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. Even a 5 - 10 pound weight loss can lower LDL twice as much as diet alone. Weight loss often results in lower triglyceride levels and increased HDL, too. To maintain a healthy diet, you should aim for a gradual, weekly weight loss of 1/2 to 1 pound.

Getting Exercise

Regular exercise both reduces the risk of death from heart disease and helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times per week can help you lose weight or maintain a proper weight, reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, and increase levels of HDL. And studies show that for every 10 minute prolongation of exercise per session is associated with a 1.4 mg/dL increase in HDL cholesterol. Exercise may also lower blood pressure. Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.

Treatment Approach:

Lowering your cholesterol level reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that for every 1% reduction in cholesterol levels there is a 2% reduction in the rate of heart disease. People who already have heart disease or are at higher risk benefit most from lowering their cholesterol.

Changes in lifestyle -- improved diet, more exercise -- are the most effective means of both preventing and, in less severe cases, treating high LDL cholesterol levels. In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, physicians often prescribe specific cholesterol lowering medications.

Medications

If your LDL cholesterol remains high, after changing your diet and exercise habits, your doctor may prescribe medications to lower it. If your cholesterol is very high (more than 200 mg/dL), you may start drug therapy at the same time you improve your diet and exercise habits. Drugs commonly used to treat high cholesterol include:

Statins -- These are usually the drugs of choice as they are easy to take and have few interactions with other drugs. Side effects can include myositis (inflammation of the muscles), joint pain, stomach upset, and liver damage. People who are pregnant or have liver disease should not take statins. Statins include:

• Lovastatin (Mevachor)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescor)

Niacin (nicotinic acid) -- In prescription form, niacin is sometimes used to lower LDL cholesterol. It can be more effective in raising HDL cholesterol than other medications. Side effects may include redness or flushing of the skin (which can be reduced by taking aspirin 30 minutes before the niacin), stomach upset (which usually subsides in a few weeks), headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and liver damage. Dietary supplements of niacin should not be used instead of prescription niacin, as it can cause side effects. Only take niacin for high cholesterol under a doctor's supervision.

Bile acid sequestrants -- These are used to treat high levels of LDL. Common side effects include bloating, constipation, heartburn, and elevated triglycerides. People who have high levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood) should not take bile acid sequestrants. These drugs include:

• Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)
• Colesevelam (WelChol)

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors -- The medication ezetimibe (Zetia) limits how much LDL cholesterol can be absorbed in the small intestine. Side effects include headaches, nausea, muscle weakness. Ezetimibe is combined with simvastatin in the drug Vytorin.

Fibric acid derivatives -- These medicines are effective at lowering triglyceride levels, and moderately effective at lowering LDL. They are used to treat high triglycerides and low HDL in people who cannot take niacin. Side effects include myositis, stomach upset, sun sensitivity, gallstones, irregular heartbeat, and liver damage.

• Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
• Fenofibrate (Tricor, Lofibra)

If you do not respond to one class of drugs, you doctor may use a combination of drugs from 2 classes.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

In addition to eating a healthy diet -- low in saturated fat, with plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables -- some specific foods and supplements may help lower cholesterol.

Fiber -- Several studies have shown that soluble fiber (found in beans, oat bran, barley, apples, psyllium, flaxseed, and glucomannan) lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Fiber can also help you lose weight because it makes you feel full faster. Your doctor will encourage you to get more fiber in your diet. You may also take a fiber supplement. Men should get 30 - 38 g of fiber per day. Women should get 21 - 25 g.

Beta-glucan -- is a type of soluble fiber found in oat bran and other plants. It slightly reduces LDL cholesterol, which is why oat bran is touted as a cholesterol reducing food.

Soy -- Many studies have shown that eating soy protein (tofu, tempeh, miso), rather than animal meat, helps lower blood cholesterol levels, especially when you eat a diet low in saturated fat. One study found that as little as 20 g of soy protein per day is effective in reducing total cholesterol, and that 40 - 50 g shows faster effects (in 3 weeks instead of 6). Another study showed that soy can help reduce triglyceride levels. The AHA recommends that people with elevated total and LDL cholesterol add soy to their daily diet, and that soy is safe when consumed as part of your regular diet. Before you take soy supplements, however, talk to your doctor. Soy isoflavones may have estrogen like effects on the body, which might lead to an increased risk of breast and other cancers.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil -- There is good evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (namely EPA and DHA) found in fish oil can help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce the level of triglycerides (fats) in the blood. However, fish oil can also raise levels of both HDL and LDL slightly. When taken as a supplement, it can also act as a blood thinner, so people who already take blood thinning medication should only take a fish oil supplement under their doctor's supervision. One preliminary study found that people with high cholesterol who took fish oil and red yeast rice lowered cholesterol levels about as much as people who took simvastatin (Zocor). The AHA recommends that people eat at least 2 servings of fatty fish (such as salmon) per week, and that fish is safe when consumed as part of your regular diet. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before taking a fish oil supplement.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- ALA is another omega-3 fatty acid that may protect the heart against heart disease. However, studies have shown conflicting results about its ability to lower LDL, and it does not appear to lower triglyceride levels.

Vitamin C (100 - 200 mg per day) -- Several studies suggest that eating a diet high in vitamin C can help lower cholesterol levels, but there is no evidence that taking extra vitamin C through a supplement will help.

Beta-sitosterol (800 mg to 6 g per day in divided doses about 30 minutes before meals) -- Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol, a compound that can stop cholesterol from being absorbed by the intestines. Several well designed scientific studies have shown that beta-sitosterol does lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Beta-sitosterol may lower the amount of vitamin E and beta-carotene absorbed by the body, so you may want to ask your doctor if you need to take extra vitamin E or carotene.

Policosanol (5 - 10 mg 2 times per day) -- Policosanol is a mix of waxy alcohols usually derived from sugar cane and yams. Several studies have indicated it may lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and maybe even raise "good" HDL cholesterol. One study found that policosanol was equivalent to fluvastatin (Lescol) and simvastatin (Zocor) in lowering cholesterol levels. It may also inhibit blood clots from forming. However, almost all the studies have been conducted in Cuba or Latin America using a proprietary form of policosanol, so it is hard to evaluate the evidence. Policosanol may increase the risk of bleeding, and should not be taken by people who also take blood thinning medication.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) -- Researchers believe that CoQ10 may boost levels of antioxidants. One study found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were much less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. They were also less likely to die of the condition than those who did not receive the supplements. Still, more research is needed to say whether CoQ10 has any role in preventing or treating atherosclerosis. People who take statins may have low levels of CoQ10. If you take statins, you may want to ask your doctor about taking a CoQ10 supplement. CoQ10 can interfere with anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.

Polyphenols -- Polyphenols are chemical substances found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Test tube, animal, and some population based studies suggest that the flavonoids quercetin, resveratrol, and catechins (all found in high concentration in red wine, and in grape juice) may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by protecting against the damage caused by LDL cholesterol. However, more studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.

Resveratrol -- A study in mice found that resveratrol protected against age related damage to vital organs, including the heart and liver, even when the mice ate a high fat diet. Although this study is promising, more studies are needed to see whether resveratrol would have the same effect in humans. No one is sure how much resveratrol is needed to see a benefit. In addition, resveratrol may have estrogen-like effects, and researchers don't yet know whether it would pose the same risks as estrogen supplements.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Hawthorn(Crataegus monogyna, 900 - 1,800 mg per day in 2 - 3 divided doses) -- Hawthorn contains the polyphenols rutin and quercetin, and was used traditionally to treat cardiovascular diseases. Animal and laboratory studies show that hawthorn has antioxidant properties that may help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking hawthorn, as it can interact with other drugs taken for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Garlic(Allium sativum, 900 mg per day of garlic powder, standardized to 0.6% allicin) -- Previous clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. However, more recent studies show no effect on cholesterol. Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be taken if you are also taking blood thinning medication.

Olive leaf extract(Olea europaea, 1000 mg per day) -- One study found that people with mild high blood pressure (hypertension) lowered cholesterol and blood pressure by taking olive leaf extract, compared to those who took placebo. More research is needed to confirm this study's findings.

Red yeastor red yeast rice(Monascus purpureus, 1,200 mg 2 times per day with meals) -- Several studies indicate that a proprietary form of red yeast (Cholestin) can lower cholesterol levels, and that the herb acts like prescription statin drugs (See "Medications" section). For that reason, you should not take red yeast without a doctor's supervision, especially if you already take statins to lower cholesterol.

Psyllium(Plantago psyllium, 10 - 30 g per day in divided doses taken 30 - 60 minutes after meals) -- Taking psyllium, a type of fiber, helps lower cholesterol levels, as well as blood sugar levels. If you take medicine for diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking psyllium.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul, 3 - 6 g per day) -- Guggul is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat high cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have found mixed results -- guggul appears to work in Indian populations, but not in people who eat Western style, high fat diets. Guggul may have estrogen like properties and caution should be taken with people with a history of estrogen sensitive cancers or on hormonal medications; speak with your doctor.

Other Considerations:

Pregnancy

Cholesterol lowering medications should be avoided during pregnancy.

Prognosis and Complications

Several complications may occur if high cholesterol is left untreated. These include:

• Heart disease -- high cholesterol levels more than double the risk of heart attack. Lowering cholesterol by 1% reduces the risk of coronary artery disease by 2%.
• Stroke -- low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk of stroke.
• Insulin resistance -- 88% of people with low HDL and 84% with high triglycerides also have insulin resistance (which leads to high blood sugar levels). Many people with insulin resistance go on to develop diabetes.

ACHANTAMOEBA

The free-living amoebae that cause human infections include Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Sappinia diploidea. All 4 genera cause CNS infections that are frequently fatal. These amoebae are distinct from other pathogenic protozoa. They all have a free-living existence, have no human carrier state (which is important in disease transmission), have a limited relationship with the spread of infection and poor sanitation, and involve no insect vector.

The pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba include Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, Acanthamoeba palestinensis, Acanthamoeba astronyxis, Acanthamoeba hatchetti, Acanthamoeba rhysodes, Acanthamoeba divionensis, Acanthamoeba quna, Acanthamoeba lugdunensis, and Acanthamoeba griffini. The life cycle consists of 2 stages: a trophozoite (which is 14-40 µm in diameter) and a cyst (which has a double-layered wall with a diameter of 12-16 µm).

Acanthamoeba was first established as a cause of human disease in the 1970s. This genus causes 3 clinical syndromes: granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), disseminated granulomatous amebic disease (eg, skin, sinus, and pulmonary infections), and amebic keratitis. Individuals who develop GAE or disseminated disease are usually immunocompromised, whereas those with amebic keratitis are usually immunocompetent. Disseminated disease and GAE carry a poor prognosis, and treatment strategies are not well defined; Acanthamoeba keratitis is a sight-threatening disease that carries a favorable prognosis when diagnosed and treated early in the disease course

Pathophysiology

Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in patients who sustain minor corneal trauma; this is usually associated with wearing contact lenses. Amoebae can be introduced through environmental exposures, including swimming while wearing contact lenses or using contaminated contact lens solutions, especially homemade solutions. Rare reports cite radial keratotomy preceding this infection.^{[1, 2]}

GAE usually develops after hematogenous spread of the amoebae from pulmonary or skin lesions to the CNS. Alternatively, amoebae may enter via the olfactory epithelium.

Disseminated disease may begin in the sinuses, skin, or lungs and disseminate from these locations to other sites, including the brain, leading to GAE.

Epidemiology

Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous organisms and have been isolated from soil, water (including natural and treated water), air, and dust. Most persons appear to have been exposed to this organism during their lifetime, as 50-100% of healthy people have serum antibodies directed against Acanthamoeba; studies have also demonstrated that this amoeba can be cultured from the pharynges of healthy persons. Acanthamoeba has caused disease worldwide, including in the United States, Europe, Australia, Africa, and South America.

Acanthamoeba keratitis typically develops in otherwise healthy persons, with over 1,300 cases described in the literature. Most cases occur in people who wear contact lenses. Keratitis has been associated with wearing nondisposable contact lenses, using homemade sodium chloride solution to clean the lenses, and wearing lenses while swimming. The isolation of Acanthamoeba from swimming pool water is not unusual. The bacteriologic quality of the water does not correlate with the presence of Acanthamoeba in swimming pools. Acanthamoeba cysts are very resistant to chlorine. A higher percentage of isolates from swimming pools have been shown to be pathogenic than those isolated from natural fresh water.

Despite the widespread existence of Acanthamoeba, GAE usually occurs among immunocompromised persons, including those with AIDS, transplant recipients (eg, bone marrow transplants), patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, and those with systemic lupus erythematosus, steroid use, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, or liver disease. Likewise, persons with disseminated disease without CNS involvement are usually immunocompromised; this condition is most common among patients with AIDS who have low CD4 counts (eg, < 200 cells/µL). In unusual cases, disseminated disease develops in immunocompetent children and adults. The incidence of GAE and disseminated disease appears to be rising, likely mirroring the increased number of persons worldwide who are living with immunocompromising conditions. To date, more than 100 cases of GAE have been described

Frequency

United States

Keratitis cases substantially increased in the 1980s with the introduction of disposable soft contact lenses. Some evidence shows that the rate has subsequently declined, especially with the introduction of multipurpose cleaning solutions. The estimated rate of Acanthamoeba keratitis is 1 per 250,000 people in the United States, although rates vary among studies: from 1.65-2.01 per million population up to 1 per 10,000 people who wear contact lenses.^[3]

GAE and disseminated Acanthamoeba disease are very rare, but rates may be increasing given the rising number of persons living with immunocompromising conditions. More than 100 cases of GAE have been described to date.

International

Acanthamoeba can cause keratitis, GAE, and disseminated disease worldwide. Data on the incidence rates of these infections internationally are not available since it is not a reportable disease.

Mortality/Morbidity

• Keratitis is a local infection that does not lead to systemic infection or death but may be complicated by cataracts, hypopyon, and increased intraocular pressure and may threaten sight.
• GAE carries a very high mortality rate (nearly 100%). Survivors of GAE have been described; these patients were treated with combination antimicrobial therapies. Disseminated disease also carries a high mortality rate, but it is lower than GAE if CNS involvement does not occur

7 Orang Indonesia Pertama Yang Mengguncang Dunia

Banyak diantara kita yang belum mengetahui bahwa ada banyak orang Indonesia yang mengguncang dunia karena prestasi mereka. Prestasi yang diakui bangsa lain tersebut tentunya membanggakan Indonesia. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa bangsa Indonesia juga patut di perhitungkan di kancah internasional. Apalagi diantara mereka ada yang merupakan orang pertama yang melakukannya di dunia. Dari sekian banyak orang Indonesia yang membanggakan, berikut 7 orang Indonesia pertama yang mengguncang dunia.

1. Indonesia Seven Summits Expedition Mahitala Unpar ( ISSEMU )

Orang Indonesia pertama yang mengguncang dunia adalah sebuah tim yang tergabung dalam Indonesia Seven Summits Expedition Mahitala Unpar atau ISSEMU.

Tim tersebut berhasil mendaki 7 puncak tertinggi benua di dunia yang meliputi Puncak Carstensz Pyramid di Papua Indonesia, Puncak Gunung Kilimanjaro di Afrika, Puncak Gunung Elbrus di Rusia, Puncak Gunung Vinson Massif di Antartika, Puncak Gunung Aconcagua di Argentina, Puncak Gunung Everest di Nepal, Puncak Gunung Denali di Amerika Utara. Dan anak muda berusia 20 tahunan itu secara otomatis mendapat julukan sebagai “The Seven Summiteers” gelar internasional bagi mereka yang berhasil mencapai 7 puncak tertinggi di dunia. Sebenarnya, usaha mencapai gelar ini telah dimulai oleh Almarhum Norman Edwin dan Almarhum Didiek Samsu Wahyu Triachdi yang merupakan mahasiswa pecinta alam dari Universitas Indonesia. Sayangnya, langkah mereka harus terhenti di gunung Aconcagua ketika jenazah keduanya di temukan di gunung tersebut. Dan setelah musibah itu, pendakian untuk menggapai gelar “The Seven Summiters” bagi Indonesia bagai hilang begitu saja.

 

Hingga akhirnya awal tahun 2009, mahasiswa pecinta alam dari Universitas Parahyangan, Bandung tersebut berhasil mencapai Carstenz Pyramid kemudian melanjutkan mendaki 6 puncak lainnya hingga tahun 2011. Dengan prestasi membanggakan ini, kini Indonesia memiliki The Seven Summiters pertama. Dan juga menandakan bahwa Indonesia akan segera bergabung bersama dengan 52 negara yang memiliki pendaki bertitle “The Seven Summiteers”.

2. Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, M.A.

 

Gelar “Sir” adalah gelar prestisius yang identik dengan gelar kebangsawanan di Inggris. Tidak sembarang orang di luar negara persemakmuran Inggris dapat di beri gelar “Sir” oleh kerajaan Inggris. Namun ternyata ada juga orang Indonesia yang diberi gelar “Sir” , yaitu Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra. Mantan rektor sebuah Universitas swasta di Jakarta ini menerima penghargaan dari Ratu Elizabeth II sebagai “The Commander of The order of The British Empire” atau cbe award alias panglima kerajaan Inggris. Penghargaan diberikan karena Azyumardi dinilai berjasa dalam memberikan kontribusi penting dalam membangun hubungan baik antar agama di tingkat internasional, khususnya antara Indonesia dan Inggris. Hal ini terutama Azyumardi lakukan ketika ia menjadi ketua bersama uk-Indonesia Islamic Advisory Council atau dewan penasehat Islam Inggris-Indonesia yang di bentuk oleh presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dan perdana menteri Tony Blair pada Maret 2006. Dengan gelar tersebut, maka ia berhak menyandang gelar “Sir” pertama di Indonesia.

3. Arthur Irawan

Orang Indonesia pertama yang mengguncang dunia berikutnya adalah Arthur Irawan. Remaja Indonesia berusia 19 tahun itu adalah seorang pemain sepakbola di klub Segunda Espanyol B dengan posisi sebagai Bek Kanan maupun Gelandang Tengah. Espanyol melihat bakat remaja dengan tinggi badan 1,75 Meter ini ketika Arthur masih memperkuat klub amatiran di Inggris, Lytham Town.

Yang membanggakan lagi, pemain muda menjanjikan dari Indonesia tersebut ternyata juga menarik perhatian klub sepakbola asal Inggris, Manchester United. Nama Arthur Irawan sempat mencuat berkaitan dengan seleksi timnas Indonesia U-23 ketika timnas masih di latih Alfred Riedl. Tapi karena remaja asal Surabaya, Jawa Timur ini masih di anggap terlalu muda, Alfred pun menolaknya. Padahal Arthur sangat berharap bisa membela Indonesia, karena seperti yang pernah ia tuturkan motivasinya membela Indonesia karena ia mencintai bangsa ini.

4. Yusof Bin Ishak

Jika seseorang yang berasal dari satu negara menjadi presiden di negaranya sendiri, hal itu adalah hal biasa. Namun, jika orang tersebut tidak berasal dari negara tersebut namun berhasil menjadi presiden di negara itu, hal ini barulah luar biasa.

Peristiwa langkah itu di alami oleh Yusof bin Ishak, seorang Sumatera Barat yang menjadi presiden Singapura. Bahkan Yusof yang menutup usia di umur 60 tahun itu merupakan presiden pertama Singapura. Yang semakin membanggakan, wajah Yusof pun di abadikan pada pecahan-pecahan uang Singapura.

Pada tanggal 3 Desember 1959, Yusof memang telah menjadi warga Singapura, di lantik sebagai kepala negara atau di sebut “Yang di-Pertuan Negara Singapura”. Kemudian pada tanggal 9 Agustus 1965 saat Singapura keluar dari Federasi Malaysia dan merdeka, status ia berubah menjadi presiden hingga tahun 1970.

5. Jeffrey Polnaja

Berikutnya adalah Jeffrey Polnaja. Orang Indonesia pertama yang berkeliling dunia dengan sepeda motor seorang diri. Aksi pria asal Bandung, Jawa Barat ini di kukuhkan di museum rekor dunia Indonesia. “Kang JJ” begitu dia biasa di panggil, memang menyukai aktivitas bertualang. Tahun 1978, pria 50 tahun ini memulai perjalanannya mengendarai sepeda motor seorang diri melintasi seluruh pulau Jawa sampai Bali. Namun pada tahun 2001 saat hendak memulai perjalanan keliling dunia yang ingin dia dedikasikan untuk perdamaian, Kang JJ mengalami kecelakaan hingga ia nyaris lumpuh. Namun untunglah hanya dalam waktu 6 bulan Kang JJ sudah pulih kembali. Setelah pulih, pada April 2006 Kang JJ meninggalkan tanah air dan memulai perjalanan menjelajah dunia dengan naik motor. Dalam perjalanannya itu, ia berbagi semangat perdamaian dan keprihatinannya akan pemanasan global kepada setiap orang, dan tentunya mempromosikan Indonesia di pentas dunia. Pada 30 November 2008, Kang JJ kembali ke tanah air. Tak kurang dari seribu motor menyambut kedatangannya, termasuk Adhyaksa Dault yang saat itu menjabat sebagai Menteri Pemuda dan Olahraga. Karena dedikasinya itu, Jeffrey Polnaja mendapat berbagai penghargaan diantaranya Lifetime Achievement Award dari Ikatan Motor Indonesia atau IMI, sebuah penghargaan tertinggi yang diberikan bagi insan otomotif di Indonesia.

6. Rudy Hartono Kurniawan

Merupakan orang Indonesia yang telah mengukir sejarah di bidang olahraga dunia yakni bulutangkis. Pria yang berusia 63 tahun itu adalah satu-satunya pebulutangkis di dunia yang berhasil menjuarai All England, kejuaraan bergengsi bulutangkis untuk nomor tunggal putra sebanyak 8 kali dan 7 kali secara berturut-turut. Rudy berhasil meraih gelar All England pertamanya di usianya yang masih muda yaitu 18 tahun. Prestasi yang dimiliki Rudy ini telah mencatatkan namanya di Guiness Book of Record pada tahun 1982. Dahulu, Rudy meninggalkan kuliahnya di fakultas kedokteran universitas Erlangga Surabaya, Jawa Timur demi bulutangkis. Kini, Rudy tidak lagi aktif di bulutangkis karena faktor usia dan kesehatan. Mantan atlet yang mengaku bahwa berdoa adalah rahasia keberhasilannya ini telah menjalani operasi jantung di Australia pada tahun 1988. Walaupun demikian, kecintaan Rudy Hartono terhadap bulutangkis tidak akan pernah mati.

7. Ashin Jinarakkhita

Dan orang Indonesia yang terakhir yang mengguncang dunia adalah Almarhum Ashin Jinarakkhita juga di kenal dengan panggilan Bhante Ashin. Dia adalah Bhikkhu Indonesia pertama yang di tahbiskan pada tahun 1953.

Setelah menjadi Bikkhu, pria kelahiran Bogor 23 Januari 1923 ini kemudian belajar spritual lebih lanjut di Myanmar selama 2 tahun. Kemudian pada tahun 1955, ia kembali ke pulau Jawa lalu bekerja keras membangun kembali Wihara dan perkumpulan Buddhis dan juga mengadakan perayaan Waisak secara nasional untuk pertama kalinya setelah beratus-ratus tahun di Candi Borobudur, Jawa Tengah. Karena kegesitannya pergi dari satu tempat ke tempat lain untuk menyebarkan ajaran Budha saat awal berdiri itu, Bikkhu yang menutup usia di umur 79 tahun itu sampai-sampai di juluki “The Flying Monk” oleh umat Budha di Malaysia dan Singapura. Atas segala usahanya dalam mengembangkan agama Budha, pria yang lahir dengan nama “The Boan An” ini menjadi salah seorang yang berpengaruh dalam Budha di Indonesia.

http://zulkifli19.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/7-orang-indonesia-pertama-yang-mengguncang-dunia/