High Cholesterol

Cholesterol research over the past five to 10 years has led to a better understanding of how it affects health and improved ways to treat high cholesterol. Arjun Makam, DO, and his team at Makam Medical in Anaheim, California, are dedicated to providing the most advanced treatments available for high cholesterol. For help with your high cholesterol using modern approaches, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat made in your liver. Your body uses cholesterol to make cell membranes, vitamin D, and some hormones. 

Though your body needs cholesterol in order to function normally, it’s not an essential nutrient.  Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. 

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. The excess cholesterol combines with other substances in your blood creating plaque. Plaque sticks to the walls of your blood vessels, causing a narrowing or blockage in the passageway. 

When you have a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel walls you have atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in your coronary arteries affects blood flow through your heart, increasing your risk of heart disease and having a heart attack. 

The study of cholesterol and its impact on health has changed significantly over the past five to 10 years, changing the way it’s treated. Makam Medical combines experience with the latest advancements in cardiovascular care so you get the best treatment possible.

What can I expect during a high cholesterol consultation?

You can expect attentive and comprehensive care when you visit Makam Medical for a high cholesterol consultation. The direction of your visit depends on whether you have a history of a heart attack or not. 

During your evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms, medical and family histories, and usual diet and exercise routine. They perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to assess heart health. 

The goal of your evaluation is to fully understand your heart and metabolic health (cholesterol numbers, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers) so the team can develop a plan that reduces your risk of having a cardiovascular event like a heart attack. 

This is especially important in younger people who haven’t had any serious heart problems. For those patients who have already had a cardiovascular event, close attention to the overall picture of metabolic health is crucial.

What treatments can improve high cholesterol?

The team customizes your high cholesterol treatment plan based on your cholesterol numbers and health history. Treatment may include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• Exercise program
• Weight management
• Treatment for hypertension
• Cholesterol-lowering medication

The team also focuses on education, providing you with the contemporary tools and compassionate support you need to create the lifestyle that improves cholesterol numbers and lowers your risk of heart disease.

With advances in research, treatments for high cholesterol are evolving and improving. For innovative care, call Makam Medical or schedule an appointment online today.