High Cholesterol Management in Westfield, MA
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that is used to protect various nerves and tissues of the body while also producing important hormones. Cholesterol can also be absorbed by the body from the foods that we eat, especially those with high fat content like eggs, meat, and dairy products. A diet that frequently consists of these ingredients, among other risk factors, is likely to lead a person to encounter high cholesterol levels.
There are many negative effects that can stem from a buildup of excess cholesterol within the blood, which is why individuals should carefully monitor their cholesterol levels and make active strides to lower them.
If you’re seeking professional help managing your cholesterol levels in the Westfield, MA area, contact Family Medicine Associates today to schedule an appointment.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two distinct types of cholesterol that can be measured within a patient’s body: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The major difference between these two substances is that LDL delivers cholesterol to the body whereas HDL removes cholesterol from the blood.
LDL — “Bad” Cholesterol
LDL delivers cholesterol to the body. Individuals with high LDL levels are at an increased risk for serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke due to the buildup of fatty deposits within the blood vessels. These deposits restrict blood flow until the blood is eventually unable to travel where it needs to go throughout the body.
HDL — “Good” Cholesterol
HDL removes cholesterol from the blood. A high HDL level is a contributing factor in protecting the body against heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
Appropriate Cholesterol Levels
Ideally, people should strive to keep their various cholesterol levels at:
It is not at all uncommon for individuals to be outside of the proper cholesterol level range shown above. Fortunately, there are many ways that a person can control their cholesterol levels through maintenance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and possible medications to reduce the amount of cholesterol in their body.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
A Silent Condition
There are few symptoms that specifically occur in those with high cholesterol. A large number of people with this condition will not even be aware of it until complications start to arise from blocked arteries, such as a heart attack or stroke — which is why routine screening is so important.
Causes and Risk Factors
Even if an individual does not experience a concerning attack as a result of high cholesterol, they may already be predisposed to the condition if they:
- Have a family history of high cholesterol
- Are obese
- Are a smoker
- Have diabetes
- Do not exercise
- Are 45 years of age or older
Diagnostic Testing for High Cholesterol
Testing an individual’s cholesterol levels is really very simple, and only requires a small sample of blood to be examined by our laboratory facility. It is recommended that an individual’s cholesterol levels first be tested between the ages of 9 and 11, and that testing increase in frequency throughout the remainder of their lifetime.
Prevention Strategies from Family Medicine Associates
While some of these factors are completely out of a person’s control, there are still many ways in which they can influence their cholesterol levels by implementing healthy lifestyle habits, including:
- Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
- Properly managing stress levels
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
- Engaging in 30 or more minutes of physical activity each day
There are also many prescription medications available to those with high cholesterol levels. Various situations will call for different types of medication to be prescribed, so be sure to speak with Family Medicine Associates before adding any new cholesterol medicine to your regimen.