Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, yet many people may not realize they’re at risk — especially if they don't know they have high cholesterol. Fortunately, results from a simple blood test can give you the knowledge to make impactful changes if necessary to help improve your health.
At The Healthy Woman offices in Lawrenceville and Atlanta, Georgia, our skilled providers can address all of your primary care needs. Whether you require a physical or need help managing a chronic condition like high cholesterol, we provide comprehensive care with a personalized touch in our relaxed, spa-like atmosphere.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body creates to make hormones, digest fatty foods, and more. When you take in too much extra cholesterol from the foods you eat, however, you can end up with high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol comes in different types. A lipid panel checks all of your numbers, giving you a total cholesterol count as well as these main types of lipids you should be aware of:
This "bad" cholesterol moves particles through the body and can cause plaque to build up on artery walls, making them hard and narrow. This can lead to heart disease or a stroke.
Known as the "good" kind, HDL gathers excess cholesterol and returns it to the liver. High amounts of HDL cholesterol can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
The body employs this kind of fat for energy. When high amounts of triglycerides couple with high levels of LDL or low levels of HDL, your chances of a heart attack or stroke increase.
When cholesterol accumulates on the walls of the blood vessels, it’s called plaque, and this limits blood flow. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition can result in a variety of health conditions.
When atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, it causes coronary artery disease. Without enough blood, the heart becomes weaker, and this can lead to a heart attack or heart failure.
Plaque can also tear or rupture, which may result in a blood clot at the site. This clot can prevent the blood from moving or can break off and clog an artery. A heart attack occurs when there is an interruption to the flow of blood.
The good news is that people diagnosed with high cholesterol can bring their numbers down through a variety of methods.
Avoid eating too much animal fat, and use moderation when consuming good fats. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting salt intake. Drink small amounts of alcohol or avoid it altogether.
Spend at least a half an hour a day exercising most days of the week. Lose weight if needed and always work to maintain a healthy weight. Limit stress. Quit smoking if applicable.
In addition to healthy lifestyle behaviors, some people may need prescription medication to help lower their cholesterol numbers.
Whether you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol or you don't know your numbers and need a blood test, our experts at The Healthy Woman can help. Call us at 770-809-1100 or request an appointment online today.
Our consistent care team partners with patients to understand their medical challenges such as high cholesterol. Then we work together to implement realistic and attainable treatment goals for better health. In addition to our primary care offices, we offer full-service OB/GYN care at our offices in Snellville and Lawrenceville, Georgia.
