Elevated cholesterol levels place you at higher risk for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and vascular problems. When cholesterol levels are high, fatty deposits build up in arteries, leading to narrow or blocked arteries. Our providers will create a customized treatment plan to lower your cholesterol levels and prevent complications.
Cholesterol levels are monitored through blood tests. Testing can be done with a lab blood draw or a fingerstick test. You may be asked to fast for nine to 12 hours before your cholesterol screening.
Several types of cholesterol will be checked. These include:
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Good or protective cholesterol.
- Triglycerides. A type of fat that sugar is stored as.