High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

When the cholesterol levels in your blood are at unhealthy levels, you’re subject to serious complications. Cholesterol tests measure the level of specific fats in your blood. Too high of levels can lead to the formation of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Measurements above 200 mg/dl are considered “high” and may need intervention.

What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” kind. These low-density lipoproteins increase fatty deposits and raise your risk of experiencing dangerous blockages.

HDL cholesterol is the “good” kind. High-density lipoproteins remove cholesterol from your arteries, reducing plaques and blockages. It’s favorable to have HDL in your blood.

Too much LDL, or too little HDL, puts you at a greater risk of heart complications. Ideally, your HDL levels measure 60 or above, and your LDL levels are below 100 mg/dl.

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?

While anyone can benefit from cholesterol screening, if you have certain risk factors, it’s that much more critical that you get regular screening. These factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diet high in saturated fat and processed foods
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Diabetes

People who are overweight and obese are also at a greater risk of high cholesterol. Really, though, anyone can have high cholesterol, so screening is part of regular physical exams at Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington.

How is cholesterol evaluated and treated?

A simple blood test checks your cholesterol levels. You do fast overnight prior to the test for the most accurate results. If your levels are high and unhealthy, or you have unfavorable ratios of LDL to HDL, a customized holistic treatment plan helps you get your levels under control.

At Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington, the providers are available to you at all times for nutrition advice and support to lower your cholesterol levels. They also make recommendations as to how to become more active and provide smoking cessation tools if needed because smoking can raise your LDL levels.

You may also qualify for certain prescription medications to help lower high cholesterol levels.

If you’re at risk of high cholesterol or have unfavorable levels, call Grace Family Medicine Direct Primary Care of Wellington or schedule an appointment using the convenient online booking agent for exceptional cholesterol management.