High cholesterol is a serious health issue that often goes undetected until a medical problem arises. For those in Roseville, California, concerned about their cholesterol, John Paul Kelada, MD, AlexandraMary Kelada, DO, and the Roseville Family Healthcare team can help. Don’t miss out on learning where your cholesterol levels are and what you can do to reach healthier numbers. Book an appointment online or by phone today.
Cholesterol is a sticky, waxy substance your body manufactures naturally. A certain amount of cholesterol is needed to develop healthy cells, manufacture hormones, and produce Vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol can cause serious health issues.
You may have heard about the different types of cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are sometimes known as the “good” kind of cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol from various parts of your body to your liver, where it is removed from your body.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the “bad” kind of cholesterol because it contributes to the accumulation of plaque in your arteries. There is also very low-density lipoprotein, which can also lead to arterial plaque.
Too much cholesterol in your bloodstream can attract other substances that bind together into a sticky substance that adheres to the walls of your arteries. This buildup is called plaque, and it can slowly worsen over time.
Eventually, arterial plaque makes it hard for blood to flow freely throughout your body. This is a condition called atherosclerosis. Left untreated, coronary artery disease can develop, which means your arteries have become significantly narrowed or even blocked.
In some cases, high cholesterol is an inherited problem that can occur in men and women. Most often, however, high cholesterol is caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Carrying a significant amount of extra weight increases your risk of high cholesterol. Eating trans fats, saturated fats, and foods naturally high in cholesterol also increase your levels. Living a sedentary lifestyle is also a significant contributing factor, as is smoking.
The first step is determining your current levels and reviewing those readings in light of your age, sex, and overall health. A simple blood test is all that’s needed to learn your cholesterol levels, and Roseville Family Healthcare offers in-house blood draws.
Medications can help bring your cholesterol under control. Some drugs work by helping your liver eliminate cholesterol from your body. These drugs can also assist in reabsorbing built-up cholesterol within your arteries, reducing your risk for coronary artery disease.
Other medications work to help convert cholesterol to bile acids, slow the absorption of dietary cholesterol, or help your liver draw more cholesterol out of your blood.
Your doctor can also help you create a plan to improve your lifestyle. This can go a long way toward reducing cholesterol and improving your overall health. Begin today by booking an appointment online or by calling the office.