Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by your liver and found in every cell in your body. You need cholesterol to make vitamin D, various hormones, and bile (which helps you digest fat). Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs to perform these functions.

But, if you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the waxy fat may combine with other substances and create plaque, which then sticks to your blood vessel walls. 

Over time, the buildup of plaque causes your blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, leading to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. 

What causes uncontrolled blood cholesterol?

There are many factors that cause uncontrolled blood cholesterol. Some of these factors you can’t control, but some you can. 

Common causes of uncontrolled cholesterol include:

• Genetics
• A diet high in saturated and trans fat
• Lack of physical activity
• Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
• Smoking
• A history of diabetes

Your risk of developing uncontrolled cholesterol increases as you get older because of changes in your body chemistry. However, high cholesterol affects people of all ages, including teens.

What can I expect during a cholesterol consultation?

The team at Quality Primary Care specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood cholesterol. When you visit the internal medicine practice, the team takes time getting to know you and your health concerns so they can develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

During your cholesterol evaluation, your provider reviews your diet and exercise habits, daily stresses, and your personal and family medical history. To assess your cholesterol level, your provider runs a lipid profile test.

The lipid profile is a blood test that measures your:

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

The information provided by the lipid profile helps the team determine if you have high cholesterol. 

How is high cholesterol treated?

The team at Quality Primary Care takes an integrative approach to help you gain control over your cholesterol. They work closely with you to help you make the lifestyle changes needed to improve your numbers, which may include:

• Diet modification
• A personalized exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Weight loss
• Stress management
• Nutritional supplements

If your cholesterol levels remain elevated after implementing lifestyle changes, the team may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease.

For help with managing your cholesterol, call Quality Primary Care or request an appointment online today.