High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a silent disease that can raise your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease without you even realizing you have a health problem. If you have high cholesterol or need a screening to get evaluated, Absolute Healthcare in Spring Hill, Port Richey, and Tampa, Florida, provides high cholesterol screenings and treatments to help you find better health. Call the nearest office or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online today.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance that plays a necessary role in maintaining good health. Cholesterol is divided into two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). 

Often, LDL is referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it tends to build up in the arteries, creating clumps or plaques along the artery walls and interfering with normal circulation. HDL is referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the arteries. 

What health problems are linked to high cholesterol?

High cholesterol results in a serious condition called atherosclerosis (“hardening” of the arteries), a condition that causes the arteries to become stiff and inflexible, making it more difficult for blood to flow normally. 

At the same time, the plaques that form along the artery walls can interfere with blood flow to the heart, brain and other organs, increasing your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, and other health problems.

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

High cholesterol can be easily measured with a simple blood test that looks at both HDL and LDL levels. Because high cholesterol causes no symptoms until a serious complication like cardiovascular disease develops, having routine screenings is important for good health.

Depending on your health condition and risk factors, your provider at Absolute Healthcare can recommend a screening schedule that helps you maintain optimal wellness. 

What treatments are available for high cholesterol?

Absolute Healthcare provides comprehensive care for high cholesterol. In some cases, high cholesterol levels can be treated with prescription medications, most commonly statins that help keep levels of cholesterol under control. 

Patients who are diagnosed with high cholesterol can also benefit by adopting some changes in their lifestyle habits, including reducing their intake of foods high in saturated fats and increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Being more physically active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is also equally important, especially for keeping the circulatory system in good shape. 

Some patients with only slightly elevated levels may be able to lower their cholesterol without the use of medications. Having regular cholesterol checkups, at least with each annual physical, can help ensure your cholesterol levels remain at healthy levels.

To get screened and treated for high cholesterol, call the nearest Absolute Healthcare office or book an in-person or telehealth consultation online today.