High Cholesterol Treatment with Bellaire Primary Care
High cholesterol is a condition where you have excessive amounts of cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, in your blood. Specifically, high cholesterol is defined as having a total cholesterol level above 200 mg/dL
When you have high cholesterol:
- Fatty deposits can build up in your blood vessels, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries.
- This buildup, called plaque, can narrow or block arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- It typically doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms on its own, and can only be detected through a blood test.
High cholesterol can be caused by various factors, including:
- Eating foods high in saturated fats
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Genetic factors
There are several effective treatments for high cholesterol, combining lifestyle changes and medication options:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet Changes: Adopt a heart-healthy eating plan that limits saturated and trans fats, while increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight can help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation can improve HDL cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
- Limit Alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation.
Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, your doctor may recommend medications:
- Statins: These are the most common and effective cholesterol-lowering drugs.
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: A newer class of drugs that can significantly lower LDL cholesterol.
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors: Drugs that limit dietary cholesterol absorption.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants: These medications indirectly lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids.
- Fibrates: These drugs primarily help lower triglycerides
Appointment
- Your provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your cholesterol, as well as your medical history and lifestyle.
Plan
- After gathering sufficient information, your provider will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may involve lifestyle modifications and prescribed medications.
Treatment
- Once you begin your treatment plan, you have the option to schedule regular video check-ins with your provider. These sessions will help ensure that the plan is effectively managing your cholesterol levels.