Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your bloodstream. While your body makes and needs some cholesterol, too much of it can build up in blood vessel walls and reduce or even block blood flow. Getting treated for high cholesterol lessens your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.

Are there any symptoms associated with high cholesterol?

High cholesterol doesn’t cause any symptoms, but you could have symptoms of a complication associated with untreated high cholesterol. 

For example, you might have paralysis on one side of your face or confusion because of a stroke, or chest pain and shortness of breath due to a heart attack. Signs of a heart attack or stroke are medical emergencies. 

Routine cholesterol screening is the best way to detect high cholesterol before it causes life-threatening complications.  

What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a medical problem that can affect anyone, but common risk factors include:

• Poor dietary habits
• Too much saturated fat
• Low fiber intake
• Excess body weight
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol intake 
• Older age
• Ongoing stress
• Family history of high cholesterol

The best way to reduce your risk of high cholesterol is to eat nutritious foods, limit or avoid unhealthy foods and drinks, get regular exercise, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy body weight. Don’t smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

How does my provider diagnose high cholesterol?

To find out if you have high cholesterol, your Nader Cardiology provider uses a simple blood test to assess the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. They also check your blood pressure, weigh you, and complete a physical exam. You may need a heart-function test, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiography.

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

To treat high cholesterol, the Nader Cardiology experts may suggest:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy habits that reduce high cholesterol naturally include increasing physical activity, losing weight, eating nutritious foods, reducing stress, and not smoking. 

Medications

Medications also reduce high cholesterol if lifestyle changes haven’t worked or if your cholesterol levels are very high. Your provider may recommend combining lifestyle changes with medications to most effectively manage your cholesterol.

To get screened or treated for high cholesterol, call the Nader Cardiology office or use the online scheduler today.