Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is in some foods, and it is also made within the body. There are two types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that are found in the blood stream. LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol that can buildup in your arteries and increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. Rapid Healthcare offers high cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia treatment at our clinic in Bolingbrook, IL.
There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, but it can put you at serious health risk. The ideal level of LDL cholesterol is below 100 mg/dl. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is through a lab test performed on a blood sample.
High cholesterol can lead to an increased development of fatty deposits in the blood vessel that may lead to further conditions, and worse, a heart attack or stroke. Even though high cholesterol can come from family history and genetics, it is more often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Other medical conditions can also cause high cholesterol levels such as diabetes, lupus, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism. Poor diet, low exercise, excess alcohol, smoking and age are some of the risk factors for developing this disease. Some medications can also increase your risk for high cholesterol, including drugs for acne, high blood pressure, cancer and others.
Treatment for High Cholesterol
Reducing risk factors is important in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Our clinic offers both a lifestyle-change approach and medication as treatments for this disease. Patients are encouraged to create dietary plans together with the doctor, plan regular exercise, and undergo weight management as well. Some medications approved in the clinic are statin medications, selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors, resins, fibrates, niacin and omega-3 fatty acid medications. Our doctors will consider all the risk factors that may be contributing to your high cholesterol and determine the best treatment plan to manage your condition.
Do not let high cholesterol increase your risk for heart attacks or strokes. Contact us at Rapid Healthcare to schedule a heart health checkup, including testing your cholesterol levels. Call or stop by our walk-in clinic in Bolingbrook, IL, for high cholesterol treatment.