What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat produced in your liver. Your body uses the waxy fat to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile, which helps break down fat during digestion. However, if you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the fat may combine with other substances and create plaque that sticks to your blood vessel walls, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

In order to move through your blood, cholesterol combines with a protein, creating a lipoprotein. These lipoproteins have specific functions and may be good or bad for your health,

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL carries cholesterol out of your blood and to your liver for processing and removal from your body. HDL is considered a good type of cholesterol.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL is considered a bad kind of cholesterol because high levels of this lipoprotein in your blood contribute to the buildup of plaque along your blood vessel walls.

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

VLDL is also considered a type of bad cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup, too, increasing your risk of heart disease and related health complications.

When you have your blood cholesterol levels checked through a blood test called a lipid profile, you’ll see a number of values, including your total cholesterol, these types of lipoproteins, and your triglycerides level.

What causes high cholesterol?

In most cases, high cholesterol develops from poor lifestyle choices. These include an unhealthy diet, inactivity, and smoking. Obesity and diabetes also increase your risk of high cholesterol.

However, in some cases, genetics may also contribute to your high cholesterol numbers.

What can I expect during a consultation about my high cholesterol?

You can expect a comprehensive, patient-focused evaluation when you come in for management of your high cholesterol. Complete Medicine is a membership-based practice and doesn’t accept health insurance, which gives Dr. Thangudu the freedom to spend more time with you, so she can better understand your health needs and goals.

Your initial high-cholesterol consultation takes about 60 minutes and includes a review of your medical history, medication use, lifestyle, and general health concerns, as well as your health goals.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Dr. Thangudu takes a lifestyle approach to the management of high cholesterol. She works closely with you, helping you make the necessary changes to optimize your health and wellness. Your plan may include:

• An evidence-based diet program
• An exercise plan
• Stress management

Dr. Thangudu is certified in plant-based nutrition, and your diet program may center around plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts, and legumes. Your lifestyle plan also focuses on your sleep habits, which plays an important role in your overall health and wellness.

For a comprehensive approach to your high cholesterol, contact Complete Medicine by phone or online today.