High Cholesterol

Managing high cholesterol can be difficult without proper support. At University Family Medicine Center, P.C. in Pueblo, Colorado, the primary care team provides individualized care for high cholesterol. The team performs comprehensive testing and monitoring to lower your cholesterol levels and prevent complications like heart disease and stroke. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about high cholesterol.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance in your blood that helps build cells throughout your body. While cholesterol is necessary to maintain many of your bodily functions, too much of it can cause your arteries to harden. High cholesterol may lead to several health complications, including blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.

Are there different types of cholesterol?

There are two main types of cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Also called “bad cholesterol,” LDL causes fat-like buildups to form in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This condition hardens the artery walls and restricts blood circulation to the heart. Atherosclerosis is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL, or “good cholesterol,” carries LDL away from the arteries and into the liver, which breaks it down. By removing LDL from the arteries, HDL can help prevent stroke, heart disease, and other health complications.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fatty substances that can also contribute to atherosclerosis. Many individuals with high LDL levels also have high amounts of triglycerides.

What are the signs of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels typically cause no symptoms, making them difficult to pinpoint. Only a cholesterol test can determine whether you have high cholesterol. The team at University Family Medicine Center, P.C. may recommend a cholesterol test if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), smoke cigarettes, or carry extra weight.

What causes high cholesterol?

The leading cause of high cholesterol is a combination of diet and lifestyle factors. Common risk factors for high cholesterol include:

• Consuming high-fat foods, red meat, and dairy
• Eating too few vegetables
• Exercising too little
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Smoking cigarettes

High cholesterol can also run in families, so proper prevention is crucial if you’re at risk of cardiovascular disease.

What are the treatments for high cholesterol?

Many diet and lifestyle changes can help lower your cholesterol levels, including following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. If you’ve taken these steps and still have high cholesterol, the team may recommend medication, such as:

• Statins
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• Fibrates
• Niacin

The team performs comprehensive testing and cholesterol monitoring to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Call University Family Medicine Center, P.C. today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about high cholesterol.