If you’re one of the 102 million Americans with high cholesterol, a high cholesterol-management program can keep your numbers in check and lower your risk of heart disease. At his practice in El Centro, California, internal medicine physician Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FACP, proudly offers high cholesterol management. If you’re concerned about your risk of high cholesterol, request an appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build healthy cells, but too much cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease.
If you have high cholesterol, fatty deposits build up in your blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow and make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. If one of these deposits breaks suddenly, a blood clot might form and cause a heart attack or stroke.
It’s possible to inherit high cholesterol from your parents, but it’s usually the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a poor diet or living a sedentary lifestyle.
High cholesterol doesn’t present any obvious symptoms, so it’s important you participate in annual physical exams. The only way to detect it is with a blood test.
If you’re over the age of 30 or have a family history of high cholesterol, it’s important to test your levels at least every other year.
High cholesterol affects men and women, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to have high cholesterol if you’re middle-aged or older. Your body’s chemistry changes as you age, increasing your risk of high cholesterol.
Preparing for a cholesterol test is easy and hassle-free. To achieve the most accurate results, don’t eat or drink anything (except for water) 9-12 hours before your appointment.
A cholesterol test screens for several things: your total cholesterol, (LDL, “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, “good” cholesterol) and triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood.
High cholesterol management is a safe and effective treatment program designed to lower your high cholesterol and improve your cardiovascular health in general.
Usually, high cholesterol management involves healthy lifestyle changes, such as diet, weight loss, and exercise. Factors like these can significantly improve your cholesterol levels.
If your numbers remain high, Dr. Singh might recommend prescription medications, such as statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or medications for high triglycerides.
To request your high cholesterol management appointment at Prabhdeep Singh, MD today, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.
