MedHaven Health
High Cholesterol Management in Glen Burnie, MD
High cholesterol usually does not announce itself. You can feel healthy while unhealthy cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup inside your arteries. That makes screening and appropriate follow up an important part of preventive and cardiovascular care.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Results
A lipid panel may include:
LDL Cholesterol
LDL contributes to cholesterol buildup in arteries and is often called “bad” cholesterol.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL helps transport cholesterol and is commonly called “good” cholesterol.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another form of fat circulating in your blood.
Total Cholesterol
This measurement contributes to the overall lipid picture but should not be interpreted by itself.
NHLBI notes that lipid panels commonly measure LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
Why We Don't Treat One Number
Two people can have similar cholesterol results but different cardiovascular risks.Your provider may consider:
- Age
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Tobacco exposure
- Family history
- Previous heart or vascular disease
- Current medications
- Other laboratory findings
When Should Cholesterol Be Checked?
Screening frequency depends on age, medical history, family history and cardiovascular risk.
Patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or other risk factors may require more frequent evaluation.
Cholesterol Care at MedHaven Health
We integrate cholesterol management with:
- Blood pressure care
- Diabetes management
- Weight management
- Laboratory monitoring
- Annual physicals
- Preventive care
Lifestyle and Cholesterol
Treatment may involve changes in nutrition, physical activity, weight management and tobacco use.
For some patients, medication is also appropriate.
Cholesterol Medication Management
Statins are commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications and have evidence for reducing heart attack and stroke risk in appropriate patients.
Other medication options exist for selected patients.
Medication choice should be individualized based on cardiovascular risk, response and tolerance.
Do Not Stop Because Your Cholesterol Improved
If your cholesterol improved while taking medication, the medication may be part of the reason.
Discuss changes with your healthcare provider before discontinuing treatment.
FAQs
Usually not. Testing is generally required to know your cholesterol levels.
It is a blood test that commonly measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
No. Treatment depends on cholesterol results and overall cardiovascular risk
Diabetes can increase cardiovascular risk, making cholesterol an important part of comprehensive risk management.
Lifestyle can make an important difference, but some people also require medication.
Your Care Team at MedHaven Health
KB
Oluwakemi "Kemi" Balogun, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner — Medical Director
RO
Rose Oyugi Okowa, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
FA
Florence Alli, FNP-BC, MSN, PMHNP
Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Explore related care: Hypertension Treatment | Diabetes Management | Primary Care
