Cholesterol Management
What you need to know about cholesterol
- Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in every cell of your body
- Cholesterol allows your body to make vitamin D and essential hormones, and helps you digest food
- Too much cholesterol in the body can cause a buildup of plaque in your arteries
- High cholesterol can cause blood clots, heart disease, or stroke
- There is “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL & VLDL)
WHAT IS HIGH CHOLESTEROL?
High cholesterol is a buildup of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. There are no symptoms, so regular blood tests are needed to measure your cholesterol levels. If left unmonitored, high cholesterol can create a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels that may lead to clotting, stroke, or heart disease. While some cases of high cholesterol are caused by genetic factors, being overweight or obese is associated with a greater risk of developing high cholesterol. Your cholesterol levels often increase as you get older, too.
HOW TO MANAGE HIGH CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol can be managed in several ways. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy and low sodium diet, regular exercise, and eliminating tobacco usage may help prevent a buildup of bad cholesterol. You should also do regular blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels. Experts recommend that young adults get their cholesterol levels checked every 5 years. Cholesterol tests should be done every 1-2 years for men over age 45 and women over age 55.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Plan ahead and be sure to give your doctor all the information that you can. It’s important that you take the time to paint a full picture, telling the whole story. Keep a daily record of your mood and response to any medication, reporting any trends to your doctor. Click here for more patient information.
About AVALA Care
The AVALA Care team is here for patients of all ages. We treat patients from the age of 16 years old. While AVALA Care specializes in managing and preventing a variety of health conditions, patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should consult a doctor who specializes in prenatal care for the duration of their pregnancy. Read more about AVALA.
Contact us
To learn more about how we can help you on your journey to wellness, contact us today. A representative will be in touch shortly.