High Cholesterol in Denton, TX

While cholesterol (a waxy substance found in the blood) is needed for cellular function and creation, too much bad cholesterol can cause the arteries to clog, which leads to a host of health problems, such as heart attacks and heart disease. This condition of excess bad cholesterol in the blood is known as high cholesterol, and it can have a dramatic impact on a patient's heart health and lifespan. High cholesterol can be found in people of many ages and backgrounds with the most prone being those with poor diets, lifestyles, and a genetic disposition for the condition. At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), our skilled providers perform comprehensive physicals to look for raised levels of cholesterol in the blood and will work with you to manage your symptoms and improve your heart health. Reach out to one of our offices in Plano, Wylie, or Denton, TX to ask about treatment or testing for high cholesterol or to find out if you may be suffering from this condition.

Oftentimes, patients can have high cholesterol and be totally unaware. This is because high cholesterol does not cause many — if any — symptoms to manifest. Instead, this condition is almost always diagnosed with a blood panel. Its lack of notable signs usually leads professionals to refer to high cholesterol as a "silent" sickness.

In the majority of cases, high cholesterol is brought on by a poor diet high in fatty foods (especially saturated fat) and hereditary factors. In addition, smoking tobacco or living a sedentary lifestyle may also lead to high cholesterol. If you think you could have high cholesterol, it's important to seek a physical examination with a trained physician immediately. Once high cholesterol is diagnosed, one of our skilled medical providers at HSNT will work with you to develop a personalized cholesterol management program.

High cholesterol is most commonly treated with certain medications or injections specific to your unique situation. To figure out which prescriptions are the best fit for your high cholesterol treatment plan, one of our skilled doctors will conduct a comprehensive blood panel and examine the results. Our team at HSNT also encourages patients with high cholesterol to adopt a heart-healthy diet, become more physically active, and make better lifestyle choices to control their disease and prevent further heart damage.

High cholesterol is diagnosed through a lipid profile blood test. This test measures levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, often termed "bad" cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The lipid profile provides crucial information about a patient's cholesterol levels, aiding in assessing their risk of heart disease. Combining these results with other risk factors, like age, blood pressure, and lifestyle, our team at Health Services of North Texas can determine if intervention, such as dietary changes or medication, is necessary. Regular monitoring is vital for maintaining heart health and preventing complications associated with high cholesterol.

How common is high cholesterol?

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates, almost 40% of U.S. adults have high cholesterol.

Who is most at risk for high cholesterol?

As we age, our risk of high cholesterol and heart disease increases, mainly for men over age 45 and women over 55. Other risk factors for high cholesterol include:

• Family medical history
• Women post-menopause
• Smoking tobacco
• Eating a poor diet high in fats and sugars
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight or obese
• Having diabetes

How can I manage my cholesterol levels?

Some easy tips to help reduce cholesterol levels include:

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables
• Cut out trans fats, saturated fats, and refined sugar from your diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Get regular exercise
• Achieve a healthy weight
• Cease tobacco use

At HSNT, our experienced physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can diagnose high cholesterol and tailor a treatment plan to suit your unique situation. When left untreated, high cholesterol may only worsen and could lead to a number of heart issues, like heart attacks or heart disease. To learn more about your heart health and receive treatment for any problems you may have, request an appointment with one of our offices in Denton, Wylie, or Plano, TX and schedule your annual physical.