High Cholesterol Specialist

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat your body needs to make cell membranes and hormones. Your liver has the ability to make all the cholesterol it needs to perform these vital functions. 

But if your body produces too much cholesterol, it builds up in your blood and sticks to the walls of your blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen. Over time, the buildup may be so great it blocks blood flow or creates a blood clot that blocks blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke. This condition is a type of heart disease referred to as coronary artery disease. 

What causes high cholesterol?

While it’s possible that genetics may play a role in your high cholesterol, lifestyle choices are more likely the cause. Factors that contribute to high cholesterol include:

• Diet high in saturated and trans fat
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking

Diabetes and obesity also increase your risk of high cholesterol. 

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

The team at Verma Health can determine if you have high cholesterol from a simple blood test. However, before they perform the blood test, your provider reviews your medical and family history and conducts a physical exam to assess your overall health, which is used to direct your treatment plan.

The lipid panel used to determine if you have high cholesterol tests your:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL); bad cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL); good cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Treatment for your high cholesterol depends on the results of your blood test.

What are the treatments for high cholesterol?

The team at Verma Health develop individualized treatment plans to help lower your cholesterol. Your treatment plan may initially focus on lifestyle changes, including modifications to your diet and the implementation of an exercise program. If you smoke, your provider offers treatments to help you quit.

If your cholesterol remains elevated after making lifestyle changes, they may then prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication. While the medication may help improve your cholesterol levels, you still need to adhere to the lifestyle modifications to get the best possible results. 

High cholesterol is common and can increase your risk of heart disease. For cholesterol management from a team of heart-health experts, call Verma Health or request an appointment online today.