-
Urgent Care
-
STD/STI
-
Women's Health
-
Men's Health
-
Mental Health
-
Primary Care
-
Dermatology
-
Miscellaneous
Available
7 days
Bilingual Service
Up to 87%
Discount on Rx
Over 1.8 Million
Successful Visits
Cholesterol Treatment Online
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in everyone’s blood and is needed for various bodily functions. When there is too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of your arteries and cause blockages, which can lead to serious health problems including arterial disease. There are different types of cholesterol:
● LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol
● HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol
● Triglycerides or blood fats
High cholesterol levels do not always present with obvious symptoms, but they can increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. That’s why it is important to check your cholesterol levels regularly.
High cholesterol symptoms are typically not noticeable until cholesterol levels are high enough for long enough to develop problems in the body. It is often referred to as a "silent" condition because it doesn't produce any obvious warning signs or discomfort in most cases. However, the presence of high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis (the buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arteries), which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart disease and related complications. For those that do experience high cholesterol symptoms, they often include:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Impaired vision or difficulty focusing
High cholesterol, specifically elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is often caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Genetic factors can predispose some individuals to high cholesterol levels. However, lifestyle factors can include:
Diets high in saturated and trans fats
Excessive intake of dietary cholesterol
Excessive alcohol consumption
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Most with high cholesterol do not know that they have it, as high cholesterol symptoms do not show themselves in most until the condition is in the later stages. The only way to get your cholesterol levels checked is to get your blood checked, with the specific test meant for high cholesterol being called a “lipid profile.”
High cholesterol treatment is typically made up of oral medications and lifestyle changes that reduce cholesterol levels while promoting a healthier lifestyle for the long term. Lifestyle changes designed for reducing cholesterol levels include:
Limiting trans and saturated fats
Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibers, and healthy proteins
Exercise most days of the week, at last half an hour a day
Stop drinking alcohol and smoking
Focus on losing weight
Statins: A class of medications that lower high cholesterol levels by inhibiting the liver's production of cholesterol and increasing the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Bile acid sequestrants: Medications that work by binding to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their reabsorption, which in turn reduces LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, helping to manage high cholesterol.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: medications that block the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine, lowering LDL cholesterol levels and aiding in the management of high cholesterol.
While home remedies should not replace medical treatment for high cholesterol when necessary, certain lifestyle changes and dietary choices may help manage cholesterol levels. Here are some home remedies and lifestyle modifications:
Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce saturated and trans fats, as well as dietary cholesterol intake. Foods like oats, nuts, and legumes are known to support healthy cholesterol levels.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Include fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, and soluble fiber sources (oats, barley) in your diet, as they can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) and flaxseeds, which may help lower triglycerides and improve overall heart health.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, which can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact cholesterol levels.
Moderate Alcohol: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation, as excessive alcohol can raise triglycerides.
Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Reducing your intake of sugary and highly processed foods can have a positive effect on cholesterol and overall health.
Green Tea: Some studies suggest that green tea may have a modest beneficial effect on cholesterol levels.
Garlic and Plant Sterols: While their effects are modest, some people find that garlic and plant sterols (found in some margarines and supplements) may help lower cholesterol.
Stress Reduction: Managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga may have a positive impact on heart health.
Ongoing management of high cholesterol involves several key components, especially when in combination with high cholesterol treatment. After a healthcare professional has diagnosed high cholesterol and prescribed appropriate medications, regular follow-up appointments are crucial. These appointments help monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments. Patients may need to continue or initiate lifestyle changes, including adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Complying with the prescribed medication regimen is essential, and potential side effects should be discussed with the healthcare provider. Additionally, routine cholesterol level checks through blood tests help track progress and ensure that cholesterol remains within a healthy range. Successful management aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes, by maintaining optimal cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
High cholesterol prevention and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication as recommended by a healthcare professional. Here are some key strategies for preventing high cholesterol:
Healthy Diet: Follow a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol intake. Foods high in soluble fiber, like oats and legumes, can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Limit Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of highly processed and sugary foods, as they can contribute to high cholesterol levels and overall poor health.
Lean Proteins: Choose lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins to lower saturated fat intake.
Fatty Fish: Include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout in your diet to benefit from heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Weight Management: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can contribute to high cholesterol.
Moderate Alcohol: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation, as excessive alcohol can raise triglycerides and contribute to high cholesterol.
Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking can lead to an increase in HDL cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Stress Management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga may positively impact heart health.
Regular Checkups: Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly through blood tests, especially if you have risk factors for high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease.
Urgent Care
STD/STI
Women's Health
Men's Health
Mental Health
Primary Care
Dermatology
Miscellaneous
Reliable! Convenient! Fast! Affordable! Life saver!
These are some of the feedback we hear from over 450,000 amazing patients.