High Cholesterol

Roughly one-third of American adults have high low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because this artery-clogging cholesterol is known for increasing your risk of heart disease, schedule an evaluation at Innovative Care Medicine – Riverside in Riverside, California. Dr. Ohri and his team specialize in the latest in high cholesterol treatments so you can get on the path to optimal heart health. Book your visit either online or over the phone.

High Cholesterol Q & A

What causes high cholesterol?

Cholesterol, a waxy substance, is attached to lipids (fats) in your blood. High cholesterol can stem from:

  • Poor diet or being overweight
  • Family history
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Smoking cigarettes

You’re also more likely to have high cholesterol if you have diabetes, especially if you don’t manage your blood sugar levels.

How can I tell if I have high cholesterol?

Usually, you cannot tell. High cholesterol is sometimes called the “silent killer,” only because it doesn’t cause any symptoms. In many cases, men and women don’t know their cholesterol is dangerously high until they suffer from a serious medical condition, such as a heart attack.

Dr. Ohri usually checks your cholesterol by drawing blood during routine adult physicals. He can help you get on top of it if your numbers start to rise. Ideally, your total cholesterol should fall below 200 mg/dL.

Since low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known for contributing to heart disease, Dr. Ohri wants to see your reading stay below 70 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the beneficial type of cholesterol that your body needs for cell production. Your HDL should be above 60 mg/dL for optimal heart health.

While not a type of cholesterol, Dr. Ohri also evaluates your triglycerides, a fatty substance that also contributes to heart disease. Your triglycerides should stay below 150 mg/dL.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Dr. Ohri customizes your high cholesterol management plan based on your current cholesterol reading, overall health, and family history. He strives to help you make healthy lifestyle changes, including losing weight and increasing physical activity.

If your cholesterol is dangerously high or if lifestyle changes aren’t working, Dr. Ohri is likely going to prescribe medications. Cholesterol-lowering drugs often interact with cholesterol production and absorption and are known for effectively improving both your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers.

If you have high cholesterol, or know that it runs in your family, schedule an evaluation at Innovative Care Medicine – Riverside Book your visit online or over the phone.