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.

General recommendations regarding normal cholesterol levels are as follows:

• Total cholesterol – below 200 mg/dl
• LDL – below 100 mg/dl (lower if you have known heart disease)
• HDL – 45 mg/dl or higher
• Triglycerides – below 150mg/dl

Treatment of elevated cholesterol may include:

• Quitting smoking
• Exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Weight loss
• Medications

Lifestyle modification through diet and exercise is the first line of treatment for elevated cholesterol. At times medication may also be needed. Our providers will select medications based on your cholesterol levels. Several types of medication may be prescribed depending on which of your cholesterol levels are elevated.