How High Cholesterol Puts You at Risk for Heart Disease and What You Can Do About It 

How’s your heart health? Do you know your cholesterol count? What you don’t know can harm you.

High cholesterol is a common health issue and one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. Unlike symptoms you can see or feel, elevated cholesterol can quietly cause harm, so it’s important to recognize the risks it poses and take action. 

At Comprehensive Primary Care in Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, and Snellville, Georgia, our experienced team believes in empowering you with knowledge. Discover how high cholesterol impacts your heart health and explore strategies you can start doing today to protect your well-being. 

Cholesterol facts you need to know 

Cholesterol is a type of fat essential for many bodily functions, and everyone has it. Your body produces cholesterol for building cell membranes, making vitamin D, and creating important hormones. 

However, cholesterol is also in foods like meat, cheese, and whole milk. The human body is efficient and produces all the cholesterol necessary, but certain factors can sometimes lead to overproduction.

For example, diets high in saturated fats, like those found in butter or marbled meats, can increase cholesterol levels. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive stress, and heavy alcohol usage, are also contributors. Additionally, some people inherit a genetic condition that affects how their body processes cholesterol, resulting in high blood cholesterol levels.

The connection between cholesterol and heart disease 

When cholesterol levels become too high, it combines with other substances in your blood to form plaque. This plaque builds up slowly along the walls of your arteries, creating blockages. Over time, this can narrow your arteries, restricting blood flow to essential organs and tissues. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

Plaque buildup can escalate into serious health risks. When plaque becomes unstable, it can rupture, leading to the formation of blood clots. These clots might cause heart attacks or strokes by blocking blood flow. 

Heart disease, often linked to high cholesterol, is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6% of people 20-39 years old, 16.7% of those between 40 and 59, and 11.3% of seniors over 60 have high cholesterol levels.

Monitoring cholesterol levels 

High cholesterol usually has no warning signs or symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential. Blood tests, known as lipid panels, can measure your total cholesterol levels. 

The American Heart Association recommends that adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. At Comprehensive Primary Care, we regularly screen for high cholesterol during wellness exams and can conduct advanced lab tests as needed.

Steps to control high cholesterol 

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in reducing high cholesterol and improving heart health. These changes can include:

Quitting smoking

Smoking damages your blood vessels and lowers your good cholesterol (HDL).

Regular exercise

Physical activity helps raise HDL (the good cholesterol) and lower LDL (the bad cholesterol).

Eating high-fiber foods

Consuming fiber-rich options like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help reduce LDL levels.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Weight control reduces cholesterol risks and improves heart health.

Prioritizing restful sleep

Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep each night to minimize cardiovascular risk.

Our Comprehensive Primary Care team provides personalized chronic disease management plans to help address high cholesterol. We monitor your progress and can provide additional support and resources to promote a healthier lifestyle.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough 

For some people, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be sufficient to lower cholesterol levels. If your numbers remain elevated, we may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications to provide added support. Regular follow-ups help ensure your treatment is effective and safe.

High cholesterol is a significant but manageable risk factor for heart disease. By staying proactive with regular check-ups and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can protect your cardiovascular health. Call Comprehensive Primary Care to schedule your appointment today or use our online scheduling portal.