High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a condition in which cholesterol, a waxy substance in your blood, is too high and begins to build up in blood vessel walls. This can narrow the vessels, affecting blood flow and sometimes leading to blockages when not treated. While common, high cholesterol is a serious health concern that can cause life-threatening heart attacks or strokes.

Early detection and treatment of high cholesterol saves lives.

Does high cholesterol cause any symptoms?

High cholesterol typically doesn’t cause symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease, unless a complication develops. For example, you might experience chest pain linked to heart problems caused by high cholesterol. But even without symptoms, we can detect high cholesterol using a simple blood test.

What increases the risk of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol risk factors include:

• Family history of high cholesterol
• Diet high in trans and saturated fats, particularly animal-based fats
• Some medications
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Lupus
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Lack of exercise
• Being over 40

During the normal aging process, the liver has a lower ability to eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), increasing the risk of elevated cholesterol levels. 

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

To determine if you have high cholesterol or its complications, we discuss your lifestyle, medical history, family medical history, and medications. We use blood tests to evaluate your good (HDL) cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and reviews the results after receiving them from a lab.

How is high cholesterol treated?

High cholesterol is typically treated with medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of the two. We may prescribe medications that lower your levels. 

It’s helpful to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other sources of fiber. Choose oily fish or plant-based fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds over lard and other animal fats. 

Limit alcohol (avoid it if you can), don’t smoke, manage stress, get enough sleep, stay active, and maintain a healthy body weight. We may recommend you try cholesterol-lowering dietary supplements. 

We follow up to ensure you maintain healthy cholesterol levels over time and can make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

To get screened for high cholesterol, schedule an evaluation with us at Millenium Elite Primary Care. Simply call the office or request an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.