Cholesterol

At Low Cost Health Clinics with seven offices in Anaheim, Riverside, Santa Ana, Corona, Costa Mesa, Cathedral City, and Indio, California, skilled providers Shruti Patel, MD, Jose Ruiz, PA-C, and Roberto Guillen, PA, help patients manage cholesterol levels with regular screenings, healthy lifestyle changes, and medication when needed so that all their patients can lower their risks for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Call the office to schedule a visit, simply walk into the nearest office, or request an appointment online for excellent low cost care today.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a sticky, waxlike substance that the body needs for many functions. It's especially important in the structure and function of cells and in the way cells are able to move. It also helps the body produce hormones, digestive juices, and vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from the foods we eat, and it's also produced by the liver.

What is the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol?

There are two main types of cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein 

(LDL), or so-called bad cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that can build up along blood vessel walls, making them inflexible and causing plaques. In turn, plaques can cause cardiovascular diseases and form clots that can cause strokes. If you have a high LDL level, this means that you have too much LDL cholesterol in your blood.

High-density lipoprotein

Good cholesterol, also referred to as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), can help lower your levels of LDL to decrease your risk for plaque formation.

Low HDL cholesterol levels can be of more concern, as it can indicate that the person is at risk of developing heart disease. Low levels can occur due to genetic factors and some health conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Why should I have my cholesterol tested?

Although it's a risk factor for stroke and heart disease, high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms on its own. Unless you're tested regularly for cholesterol levels, there's no way to tell if it's high. That means you could be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and not even know it.

It would help to have your cholesterol levels tested yearly for your annual physical. If you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend having your cholesterol levels tested more often.

If I have high cholesterol, how will it be treated?

Following a healthy diet low in saturated fats and getting more exercise are the most effective ways to lower your LDL or bad cholesterol levels. When those methods aren't effective, your  

Low Cost Health Clinics provider can prescribe medications to help you decrease cholesterol to a healthy level.

Call any of the seven Low Cost Health Clinics to schedule a visit to learn more about cholesterol and have your levels checked. Or request an appointment online, which is fast and easy.