High Cholesterol Specialist

Home 5 Our Services 5 High Cholesterol Specialist

Danvers Family Doctors, P.C.

Family Medicine & Primary Care Practice
located in Danvers, MA

Although controlling high cholesterol is possible, patients frequently require assistance in restoring healthy levels. Patients in Danvers, Massachusetts, can get cholesterol testing, assistance with diet and lifestyle, and medication if necessary at Danvers Family Doctors, P.C.

High Cholesterol Q & A

What is cholesterol?

The liver produces a waxy substance called cholesterol. Eggs, steak, butter, and cream are among the animal-derived foods that contain it. Cholesterol is regarded as harmful, but only when a person has high levels of the fatty acid. The body is able to efficiently regulate the rate of metabolism, maintain hormone production, and structure cellular membranes when cholesterol levels are in the right range.

What distinguishes HDL cholesterol from LDL cholesterol?

The term “good cholesterol” refers to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol plays a role in the body’s removal of LDL. “Bad cholesterol” is more commonly referred to as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL can be extremely harmful, particularly when combined with high triglycerides. The ideal HDL levels are between 40 and 59 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Assuming that HDL arrives at 60 mg/dL or higher, the patient has some additional security from coronary illness. When it comes to HDL, the higher the number, generally speaking, the better. The opposite is true for LDL. LDL readings of less than 100 mg/dL are considered to be optimal; readings of 100-129 mg/dL are considered to be close to optimal, readings of 130-159 mg/dL are considered to be borderline high, readings of 160-189 mg/dL are considered to be high, and readings of 190 mg/dL or higher are considered to be very high LDL.

What should the number for total cholesterol be?

For optimal health, the total cholesterol level, which combines HDL and LDL readings, should be less than 200 mg/dL. A cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, while a cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high.

What can affect the levels of cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels are largely influenced by diet. Although saturated fat is the most common cause of high cholesterol levels, foods high in cholesterol also play a significant role. A person’s risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels can both rise as a result of excess weight. Physical inactivity not only raises the risk of heart disease but also frequently contributes to the body maintaining elevated cholesterol levels. Since cholesterol levels naturally rise with age, it’s critical to keep a close eye on it throughout middle age and beyond. Because it runs in some families, high cholesterol levels may also have a genetic component. Factors like eating routine, weight, and exercise levels can be controlled, which permits patients to normally bring down cholesterol. Additionally, medications can assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

WHAT WE OFFER