High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a microscopic solid found in your blood. It’s necessary for the creation of healthy cells, but too much cholesterol increases your risk of a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke.

Some people inherit high cholesterol, but in most cases, it occurs due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. For example, you’re more likely to experience high cholesterol if you smoke, drink alcohol, or fail to exercise regularly. 

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. The only way to know if you’re at risk is to undergo a blood test. If your provider at The Healthy Woman determines you’re at risk, she can make recommendations for treatment.

What are the types of cholesterol?

Cholesterol falls into two categories –– low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good cholesterol."

Bad cholesterol

LDL cholesterol carries microscopic particles of cholesterol through your blood. Over time, these particles can collect together and form walls, causing your arteries to become hard and narrow.

Good cholesterol

HDL cholesterol tracks down the excess cholesterol particles in your bloodstream and takes them back to your liver for elimination.

Who is at risk of high cholesterol?

Anyone can experience high cholesterol, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Weight issues
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise

Your age also plays a role. For example, most people with high cholesterol are 40 or older. 

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

To diagnose high cholesterol, your provider orders a blood test called a complete lipid profile. A lipid profile reports several factors, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. To ensure accurate results, it’s important to fast for nine to 12 hours before the test.  

A reading of 200 mg/dL is considered normal and healthy. A reading of 200-239 mg/dL indicates borderline high cholesterol and a reading of 240 mg/dL or higher means you have high cholesterol. 

How is high cholesterol treated?

Treatment of high cholesterol depends on several factors, including your age, medical history, and cholesterol levels. When possible, your provider at The Healthy Woman recommends healthy lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet. 

If your cholesterol levels remain high even after these changes, you might benefit from prescription medication. There are several drugs that can help reduce high cholesterol, including:

• Statins
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• Bempedoic acid
• Bile-acid-binding resins

If you have high triglycerides, your provider might prescribe fibrates, niacin, or Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

To receive treatment for high cholesterol, make an appointment at The Healthy Woman by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.