Over a hundred million adults in the US have high cholesterol, putting them at increased risk for a number of dangerous health conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany, Mississippi, has helped countless patients assess and treat their high cholesterol, allowing them to improve their health and manage their condition. Call our office or book your appointment online today.
Cholesterol is a natural substance in the body produced by the liver. This fatty, waxy substance helps in the digestion of food by producing vitamin D, hormones, and other elements. There are different kinds of cholesterol, depending on the density of their lipoprotein.
People with high cholesterol have too much low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL), or lack high-density lipoprotein (HDL). 200 mg/dL or higher cholesterol levels are considered high, meaning you have increased risk of certain health conditions.
Unfortunately, individuals with high cholesterol don’t always show symptoms, so many people live with high cholesterol without knowing it. It’s important to have regular blood tests to ensure that you have healthy or normal cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is naturally moved through the body in the bloodstream. LDL, VLDL, and HDL work together in different ways, meaning there is a good type of cholesterol and a bad type.
LDL and VLDL are typically considered bad cholesterol because too much of them lead to a plaque buildup in the body’s blood vessels. HDL does the opposite of cleaning the blood vessels, making it a good cholesterol.
There are a number of ways a person could get high cholesterol. One common factor is whether you’re genetically predisposed to having high cholesterol, meaning if your family has a major history of this condition.
Another way is through the food you eat. Your body naturally produces all its required cholesterol, but you get additional cholesterol through your food intake. Foods like cheese, egg yolks, and meat are high in cholesterol. Other factors that influence your cholesterol level are your weight and age.
Our staff of experienced physicians at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic can help patients reduce and maintain their cholesterol levels with customized treatments that may involve adjustments to their exercise habits and diets, leading to naturally lower levels of cholesterol.
If changes to a patient’s lifestyle aren’t enough, medication may be prescribed. Statins naturally lower the liver’s production of cholesterol. Other possible medications include certain inhibitors, bile-acid-binding resins, and injectable medications which allow your body to absorb the bad cholesterol in your system.
Have your cholesterol levels regularly checked and maintained with expert customized treatment plans at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic by calling our office or booking online today.
