High Cholesterol Specialist

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your body as well as in many foods. Cholesterol plays an essential role in producing vitamin D and certain hormones, but your body produces all the cholesterol it needs. When you take in high levels of dietary cholesterol you can find yourself with serious health problems.

The three main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which helps move excess cholesterol out of your body and is often called “good” cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that can create a sticky buildup in your arteries called plaque, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which also contributes to plaque buildup.

Am I at risk of developing high cholesterol?

Numerous things can increase your risk of high cholesterol. These include:

• Diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications
• Smoking
• Advanced age
• Genetic predisposition

As you can see, some of these factors are within your control while others aren’t. Having your cholesterol screened by a trusted health practitioner is the best way to understand your risk and to find out if treatment is needed.

How is high cholesterol treated?

There are several ways to address high cholesterol, and your physician works with you to find an approach that suits your health, your goals, and your lifestyle. Medications can play a role in your treatment, especially if you have significantly high cholesterol in addition to other serious health issues.

Lifestyle medicine, however, is the preferred approach. This treatment path focuses on making positive changes in the way you live that can improve your cholesterol levels as well as your overall health and wellness.

Some men and women find relief by embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Others incorporate exercise into their daily routines in a way that they can enjoy and continue doing.

An exercise program and a diet that you can stick to are a key factor in lifestyle medicine. Anyone can make short-term changes, but developing healthier habits brings more lasting benefits. Your specialist works closely with you to come up with a plan that you can maintain for years to come.

When you’re ready to get started, call Premier Medical Care to set up a visit. Online scheduling is also available, making it easy to find a time that fits your busy life.