Cholesterol Management From a Cardiologist

Cholesterol management is key to long-term heart health. Fortunately, there are many ways in which a cardiologist may approach high cholesterol. From routine monitoring to advice on healthier habits, learn how a cardiologist may improve heart health through a tailor-made cholesterol management plan.

Cholesterol and heart health

Cholesterol is a waxy but naturally occurring substance. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is only harmful when a patient has too much of it in the body. In fact, some cholesterol is necessary for healthy cell production.

That said, high levels of cholesterol can build up into fatty deposits that clog the arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and it is known to result in serious cardiac events such as heart attack or stroke. The good news is that atherosclerosis and high cholesterol are manageable with the help of a cardiologist to the point that these serious events are avoidable.

How cardiologists manage high cholesterol

As per the AHA, cholesterol management can be broken down into three main components: check, change, and control. A cardiologist will assist with each. While they will tailor treatment to the individual patient, these components of cholesterol management will typically involve the following.

Monitoring cholesterol levels

High cholesterol does not cause any noticeable symptoms, which is why it is common for patients to find out they have high cholesterol after a heart attack or stroke. To prevent this, a cardiologist can routinely check a patient’s cholesterol levels. This involves a blood test known as a lipid panel or profile that, per the Mayo Clinic, reveals a patient’s:

• Low-density lipoprotein levels. The bad type of cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, builds fatty deposits on the artery walls.
• High-density lipoprotein levels. Also known as HDL cholesterol, this is considered a good type of cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol.
• Total cholesterol. The total amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol found in the blood.
• Triglycerides. Another type of fat found in the blood, such as cholesterol, is harmful only in high levels.

A lipid panel can be done to diagnose high cholesterol, as well as manage it. For example, a cardiologist may order lipid panels throughout the patient’s treatment plan to determine whether that plan is working.

Advising on heart-healthy lifestyle changes

Cardiologists will recommend lifestyle changes as part of a professional cholesterol management plan. Not only does this help to get cholesterol levels under control during treatment, but it also helps to keep those levels low once treatment is complete. Examples of heart-healthy lifestyle changes a cardiologist may recommend may include eating a heart-healthy, low-cholesterol diet and getting more sleep and exercise. In addition, they may recommend limiting caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol intake, as well as stress.

Lowering cholesterol with medication

A cardiologist may prescribe medications to lower cholesterol. Statins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors are classes of medications that reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Examples include simvastatin and ezetimibe, respectively. These two medications are sometimes prescribed in combination. Other cholesterol medication classes include citrate lyase inhibitors and bile acid sequestrants.

Improve heart health through cholesterol management

Cholesterol management strives to lower cholesterol and maintain those low levels for long-term heart health. Get more information from a cardiologist at Florida Premier Cardiology. Call us at (561) 325-6495 today to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.