High Cholesterol

What should I know about high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means you have too much fat in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat used to make cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. You need some cholesterol to perform these functions. If your body can’t use all the cholesterol it makes, it combines with other substances in your blood, forming a sticky substance called plaque that collects on the walls of your arteries. Over time, the plaque accumulates, narrowing the space for your blood to pass through, and affecting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. The plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis and may affect any artery in your body. Coronary artery disease (CAD) means you have narrowing in the main arteries in the heart, while peripheral artery disease (PAD) means there’s narrowing in the arteries in the extremities.

Do I have high cholesterol because it runs in my family?

You can inherit genes that increase cholesterol levels. However, an unhealthy lifestyle is the most common cause of high cholesterol. Not getting enough exercise, smoking, and poor dietary choices may increase your risk of having high cholesterol. High cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, and the only way to know if your cholesterol is too high is to have your blood levels checked. Your primary care provider can talk to you about health screenings for high cholesterol. Adults should get their cholesterol levels checked every 1-5 years, depending on age and risk factors.

What happens during a cardiology consultation for high cholesterol?

You can expect a thorough cardiology consultation for high cholesterol at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute. Your provider evaluates your cardiovascular risk factors to develop an effective plan to lower your cholesterol numbers and improve your health. They review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run bloodwork to check your cholesterol numbers. They may also conduct cardiac imaging tests to confirm or rule out heart disease.

Is medication needed for high cholesterol?

Your provider at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute customizes your high cholesterol treatment plan based on your cholesterol numbers and health history. It may or may not include medication. Lowering high cholesterol may involve any of the following:

• Heart-healthy eating plan
• Exercise guidance
• Weight management
• Cholesterol-lowering medication
• Medication to improve other health conditions

Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute also offers interventional cardiology procedures to treat CAD and PAD. Call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or use the online booking feature to schedule your high cholesterol evaluation today.