High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance found naturally in your blood. There are two types of cholesterol that attach to proteins to travel through your bloodstream:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL is a beneficial cholesterol that picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and brings it back to your liver.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

LDL is a bad cholesterol because it can build up in your artery walls. Cholesterol can harden into a plaque and make your arteries too narrow for blood to flow through properly. Poor blood circulation can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

You may be prone to high cholesterol if you’re overweight or obese, don’t get enough physical activity, or eat an unhealthy diet. Other factors that can contribute to high cholesterol include:

• Family history
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Use of certain medications

Optimal Healthcare Anywhere offers comprehensive high cholesterol care for adults. Dr. Ali meets with you through an online telehealth platform that you use on your smartphone or computer to help you manage cholesterol over the long term.  

When do I need medical attention for high cholesterol?

You can have high cholesterol for years without realizing it. The only way to confirm the condition is through a blood test.

Dr. Ali can refer you to a local facility for testing your cholesterol levels if you have risk factors for the disease. He may also send you for regular cholesterol screenings as part of your preventive care plan.

You can significantly lower your risk for complications by treating high cholesterol in the earliest stages. Dr. Ali customizes a care plan based on your blood test results.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Your initial treatment plan for high cholesterol may include lifestyle changes that support healthy blood flow. Dr. Ali may recommend:

• Weight loss
• Getting daily exercise
• Eating a low-fat diet
• Quitting smoking

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower your bad cholesterol levels, Dr. Ali might prescribe statins that block your liver from producing cholesterol or other medications that remove cholesterol from your body more efficiently.

You need routine blood tests to ensure your treatment is working well. Dr. Ali continues to monitor your condition through telehealth appointments.

Call Optimal Healthcare Anywhere to schedule a high cholesterol consultation or book an appointment online today.