High Cholesterol Specialist

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that plays an important role in metabolism and other functions. Some cholesterol is consumed in foods and some is produced by the body. Cholesterol can be divided into two types - low-density lipoproteins or LDL and high-density lipoproteins or HDL. Although LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, a small amount of LDL is required for optimal health. HDL is sometimes referred to as “good” cholesterol because it can help remove some “bad” cholesterol from the bloodstream. Patients who have too much LDL in their blood are considered to have high cholesterol.

What problems does high cholesterol cause?

When too much LDL is in the blood, it can stick to artery walls, forming sticky plaques that can make it more difficult for blood to circulate. These plaques also tend to make the arteries less flexible, which can often interfere with circulation. This condition is called atherosclerosis (or “hardening” of the arteries), and it’s a major cause of high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol is more common among people who are overweight or obese, people who lead sedentary lifestyles, and people who have diets high in unhealthy fats, as well as those who have a family history of high cholesterol.

How can I tell if I have high cholesterol?

On its own, high cholesterol causes no symptoms, which means many people may not know their cholesterol levels are high until a serious complication like a stroke or heart attack occurs. Fortunately, cholesterol levels can be easily measured with a simple blood test, which ideally should be performed on a regular basis for all adults and especially those at risk for heart disease.

How is high cholesterol treated?

High cholesterol can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes like losing excess weight, being more physically active and eating a diet low in unhealthy fats and high in fiber. But often, patients with high cholesterol also will need to take medications to help bring their cholesterol levels to within normal levels. Regular blood tests can help optimize their dosing over time.