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Cholesterol Management
Without regular testing, you can have high cholesterol for years without knowing it and be at increased risk for heart disease and other complications. At Heartwise Cardiology in the Murray Hill and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York, David Harnick, MD, and Raymonda Rastegar, MD, provide comprehensive cholesterol management services to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They work closely with you on strategies like lifestyle changes, diet improvements, and medications when needed to better control your cholesterol levels. Call Heartwise Cardiology today to schedule a cholesterol management consultation, or book an appointment online.
Cholesterol Management Q & A
Why would I need cholesterol management?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood that is essential for building healthy cells. However, too much cholesterol can have a negative impact on your cardiovascular health.
When too much cholesterol builds up on the walls of your blood vessels, it can prevent blood from flowing freely to and from your heart. Cholesterol deposits can also break off and form a clot that increases your risk for stroke and heart attack.
If you have high cholesterol, you can benefit from the cholesterol management services Heartwise Cardiology offers. The providers focus on lowering your cholesterol levels naturally and with medical intervention and continue to monitor them to protect your cardiovascular health.
What can I expect during a cholesterol management consultation?
During your initial cholesterol management consultation, the Heartwise Cardiology providers spend time reviewing your personal and family medical histories. They also request blood testing to evaluate your current cholesterol levels.
Within your blood are two types of cholesterol:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol. It’s responsible for picking up excess cholesterol in your blood and returning it to your liver for elimination.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL cholesterol is known as the bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol throughout your body, enabling it to gradually build up on the walls of your blood vessels. These deposits can harden over time and cause narrowing in your arteries, blocking blood flow.
If your HDL cholesterol level is too high, the providers can discuss your options for controlling it more efficiently. They can also identify issues like obesity, smoking, and a lack of exercise, that contribute to high cholesterol, so you can make changes that benefit your long-term heart health.
What treatments are available to manage my cholesterol levels?
The goals of the cholesterol management services available at Heartwise Cardiology are to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and ensure your HDL cholesterol levels are healthy.
Initially, the heart specialists may recommend lifestyle changes and dietary modifications that support heart health. You should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and eat a low-salt, low-fat diet. You may also need to follow a specific diet plan to reach and maintain a healthy body weight.
Quitting smoking and limiting your use of alcohol is also important for good cholesterol management. The providers can recommend resources that help you quit smoking and drinking for good.
If these strategies aren’t enough to keep your cholesterol levels healthy, you may need to take medications that stop your liver from producing cholesterol. There are also other medications Heartwise Cardiology offers to treat high cholesterol and prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
To learn how the available cholesterol management services can benefit your heart health, call Heartwise Cardiology today or book a consultation online.