High Cholesterol Specialist

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol, the waxy fat your body produces in the liver, is used to make hormones and vitamin D and substances that help you digest food. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs to perform these essential functions.

However, certain foods, namely foods high in saturated and trans fat, increase your body’s production of cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Additionally, some people are genetically prone to produce more cholesterol, even if they eat a healthy diet.

What are the types of cholesterol?

There are three different types of cholesterol, and not all types are bad.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL cholesterol is known as the bad cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque along your artery walls, causing them to narrow and harden.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL, the good cholesterol, carries excess cholesterol from your body back to your liver for processing and elimination.

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

VLDL is also considered bad cholesterol because it too contributes to the buildup of plaque on your artery walls. However, in addition to carrying cholesterol, VLDL also carries triglycerides, which is another type of fat.

What do my cholesterol numbers mean?

To measure your cholesterol levels, Dr. Sekhon orders a lipid profile, which includes a number of different measurements.

For good health you want

• Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL 100 mg/dL or less
• HDL 50 mg/dL or greater
• Triglyceride less than 150 mg/dL

If any of your blood lipid levels are out of range, Dr. Sekhon and her team at Nu Wave Medical Center work with you to develop a treatment plan to improve your numbers and your health.

How can I improve my cholesterol numbers?

Dr. Sekhon recommends lifestyle changes to help improve your cholesterol numbers, which includes a healthy diet and exercise program. Eating a diet filled with high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and beans, may help reduce your LDL levels, while exercise may increase HDL levels.

If you’re carrying excess weight, losing unwanted pounds may also improve your cholesterol. To help you get to a healthier weight, Nu Wave Medical Center offers a medical weight loss program.

If you’re unable to improve your cholesterol with diet and exercise, Dr. Sekhon may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication.

If you’re struggling to improve your cholesterol or have concerns about your numbers, the healthcare team at Nu Wave Medical Center can help. Call today, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.