By conservative estimates, more than 95 million adults over age 20 have high total cholesterol above 240 mg/dL. Since it’s well-established that elevated cholesterol clogs arteries and increases your risk of heart disease, the top-rated cardiologists at Heart & Vascular Institute in Wayne, Dearborn, Detroit, Allen Park, and Southfield, Michigan, provide up-to-date treatment solutions. Before your cholesterol levels impact your health any further, contact the clinic nearest you to see how the team can help. Click on the online scheduler or call to book a lipids checkup by phone with any office.
Cholesterol is a necessary substance in your body. It’s a structural component of cell membranes, helps to make certain hormones, and aids in fat-soluble vitamin absorption, among other functions. However, not all cholesterol is equal, and too much bad cholesterol can be harmful to your heart.
Cholesterol falls into two primary categories: good and bad. Good cholesterol, formally known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is a beneficial cholesterol that helps transport harmful cholesterol particles out of your body. You want high levels of HDL to keep your heart healthy.
It’s the harmful substances that you want in low numbers: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides (a type of bad fat connected with heart disease).
LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in high levels, or HDL in low levels, can increase your risk of:
Needless to say, it’s important to monitor your cholesterol regularly and make any necessary lifestyle changes if your cholesterol levels become problematic.
The leading cardiology team at Heart & Vascular Institute provides routine lipids checkups to monitor your cholesterol levels throughout the course of your life. For optimal heart health, your cholesterol numbers should be as follows:
If you have certain risk factors, such as a personal or family history of heart disease, your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute may have stricter cholesterol numbers they want you to reach.
If your total, LDL, or VLDL cholesterol levels are high, or if your HDL is too low, your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute designs a personalized treatment plan.
In general, making lifestyle changes is the best way to lower your cholesterol and keep it at a stable level for life. Your cardiologist may recommend:
If your cholesterol is a serious concern, your cardiologist may recommend medications. Cholesterol-lowering medications include fibrates, statins, niacin, PCSK9 inhibitors, or other drugs to help stabilize your cholesterol over time.
If you have a history of high cholesterol, don’t hesitate another day to book an exam at Heart & Vascular Institute. You can conveniently schedule your lipids checkup online or by phone with any office.