Cholesterol Evaluation and Management
Evaluation of patients cholesterol begins with lab work, we look at your LDL, HDL & Triglycerides. Sometimes we may get an NMR Profile. The results of this lab work help us determine your need for management of high cholesterol. Should you have high cholesterol, we would recommend you stop smoking & start a diet that is low in saturated fat and carbohydrates. We would also continue to check your cholesterol at maintenance visits to see if we need to put you on any medication. Certain tests such as a carotid ultrasound and a Nuclear Stress Test can be performed to see how your high cholesterol has affected your body.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance that our bodies need to perform many functions. It is made by the liver as well as our diet. If our diet is too high in saturated fat our body produces too much cholesterol. Too much cholesterol leads to waxy build up on the walls of our arteries that are used to carry blood and oxygen throughout our body. Arteries that are totally blocked can lead to stroke or heart attack. Cholesterol can lead to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Labs
LDL - Low Density Lipoprotein shows the level of "Bad" Cholesterol that blocks up arteries with its plaque like substance
HDL - High Density Lipoprotein shows the "Good" Cholesterol that seems to protect against heart attack and stroke.
VLDL - Very Low Density Lipoprotein is a bad protein that can lead to atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides - is a form of fat made in the body
NMR Profile - a specific cholesterol test that measures LDL particle size and number.
Prevention
Eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, getting plenty of exercise, managing your weight, and not smoking can help prevent high cholesterol.