I Have High Cholesterol, Now What?

Cholesterol is a type of fat your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, too much of the wrong kind, known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, can stick to the walls of your arteries, narrowing them and potentially leading to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. 

High cholesterol often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms, making routine check-ups crucial. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

• Total cholesterol: Ideally less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL is ideal
• HDL cholesterol: Above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women is considered protective
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is optimal

If caught early, high cholesterol can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups with a trusted healthcare provider.

At  Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our team of internists believes in proactive, integrative approaches that address the root cause of your high cholesterol. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s break down what you need to know and do next.

What causes high cholesterol?

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol. While some are beyond your control, like genetics, your lifestyle directly influences others. Here are some of the most common:

Diet and lifestyle 

Eating foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol, lack of physical activity, and excess weight all contribute to high cholesterol levels. 

Genetics

Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes high cholesterol levels regardless of lifestyle choices.

Health conditions 

Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney disease can affect cholesterol metabolism, raising your cholesterol levels.

Why high cholesterol is a big deal

When cholesterol levels are too high, the excess can build up in your blood vessels, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow or block arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. 

While these risks sound alarming, it’s important to remember that having high cholesterol doesn’t guarantee these complications. By working with an internal medicine specialist like those at Integrative Primary Care, you can take proactive steps to lower your risk.

What are the next steps after a diagnosis?

If you’ve been told you have high cholesterol, here’s what you can do to take control:

See a specialist

The first step is finding a healthcare provider who understands your needs. At Integrative Primary Care, we carry out a detailed assessment, including blood work, to pinpoint your cholesterol levels, evaluate your risk factors, and identify any underlying conditions contributing to your high cholesterol.

Make lifestyle changes

For many people, making healthier choices can significantly lower cholesterol levels. Include heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Soluble fiber in oats, beans, and certain fruits is especially effective at reducing LDL cholesterol.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can boost HDL cholesterol while improving your cardiovascular health. And if you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective changes you can make.

Consider medications

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. We may recommend medications like statins, which lower LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Other options include bile acid sequestrants and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

Busting myths about high cholesterol

There’s a lot of misinformation about cholesterol out there, so let’s clear up a few common myths:

Myth: Eating cholesterol-rich foods like eggs is the main cause of high cholesterol.

Truth: For most people, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. The bigger culprits are saturated and trans fats.

Myth: Only overweight people have high cholesterol.

Truth: High cholesterol can affect anyone, even those who appear healthy or are at a normal weight.

Myth: If you start taking medication, you’ll be on it for life.

Truth: Many people can reduce or even stop medication with significant lifestyle changes.

High cholesterol isn’t a reason to panic, but it’s a sign that you need to make some changes. There are many ways to significantly reduce your risk of complications and have a healthier life. If you’re worried about your cholesterol levels and what they mean for your long-term health, schedule an appointment with us today at Integrative Primary Care.