High Cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means your blood cholesterol numbers are higher than normal, putting you at risk of developing heart disease. 

Cholesterol is a type of fat made in your liver. Your body uses cholesterol to make cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. 

If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it combines with minerals and other substances in your blood, creating plaque, which sticks to the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, plaque builds up along the walls, hindering the flow of blood. 

This condition is called atherosclerosis and can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). 

What causes high cholesterol?

Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. Unhealthy lifestyle choices are the most common cause of high cholesterol, such as:

• Eating foods high in saturated fat
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Using tobacco products
• Carrying excess body weight

However, you can also have high cholesterol if it runs in your family. There are inherited genes that cause the body to make too much cholesterol.

When should I get tested for high cholesterol?

You can have high cholesterol and not know it. When to get tested for high cholesterol depends on your age and risk factors. In general, you should start getting your cholesterol numbers checked at age 20 and have follow-up tests every five years.

If you have high cholesterol or a family history of it, you may benefit from more frequent testing. 

Dr. Kim is an experienced cardiologist and can talk to you about testing for cholesterol and when you should have your numbers checked. 

What treatments can improve high cholesterol?

At Candice Kim Cardiology, Dr. Kim takes a collaborative and conservative approach to care. 

Before making any treatment recommendations, she talks to you, asks detailed questions about your daily routine, usual diet, exercise habits, medical history, and family history, and does a physical exam. 

If Dr. Kim has concerns about heart health, she may run diagnostic tests such as a stress test, echocardiogram, or a nuclear scan to confirm or rule out CAD.

Once she has all of the necessary information, Dr. Kim works one-on-one with you, designing a plan to lower your cholesterol, improve heart health, and reduce your risk of more serious health complications. 

Treatment for high cholesterol might include:

• Weight loss
• Diet modifications
• Exercise program
• Smoking cessation
• Cholesterol-lowering medication
• Nutritional supplements

Dr. Kim’s personalized treatment plans make it easier for you to make the lifestyle changes that lead to better health.

For professional management of your high cholesterol, call Candice Kim Cardiology or schedule an appointment online today.