AllCare's Dr. Sylvia Akenji appeared on "The Weekly Check-Up" on October 12 to inform listeners about the importance of having a primary care...
High Cholesterol Treatment in Georgia
Get Your High Cholesterol Treated
At AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, our experienced cholesterol specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive cholesterol management services. From accurate cholesterol testing and a personalized treatment plan to medications and follow-up care, we will prioritize your well-being at every stage of the journey.
Why It’s Essential to Manage Cholesterol:
Our Approach to High Cholesterol Management
While your body needs some cholesterol to function, having too much can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, coronary artery disease, and even the need for stent surgery. At AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, we understand the importance of regular checkups to keep your cholesterol levels in check. From cholesterol testing, to ongoing monitoring, and follow-up visits, our team of primary care doctors can help diagnose high cholesterol and develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage it effectively.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or you have no symptoms, AllCare Primary & Immediate Care can simplify your healthcare journey with comprehensive cholesterol treatment and management—all in one convenient location. We also know that successful cholesterol management requires ongoing support. That’s why our team is committed to providing the tools, resources, and encouragement necessary throughout every phase of your health journey.
Our High Cholesterol Treatment Services in Georgia
Cholesterol Medications
Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor provide medication management to help you control your cholesterol.
Cholesterol Blood Tests
These tests will measure your total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Depending on your age, a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is considered normal. An LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL is ideal, while a reading of 100-129 mg/dL is good. An HDL above 40 mg/dL is considered good.
Physical Examination
A routine, comprehensive physical examination will be performed to assess vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Additionally, your healthcare provider will carefully examine your body systems, including the heart and lungs, to identify any irregularities or indications of potential health concerns.
Health History Evaluation
This evaluation allows healthcare providers to gain insights into your past and current medical conditions, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family medical history to enable them to tailor a personalized approach to your healthcare.
Follow-up Care
If your cholesterol is high, another blood test will be performed a few months after you make lifestyle recommendations or start cholesterol medication to determine whether your cholesterol is being properly managed.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood that is essential for building healthy cells, producing hormones, and aiding in digestion. While your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, it can also come from the foods you eat, such as meat, dairy products, and fried foods. Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in carriers called lipoproteins, which help distribute it to various parts of the body. However, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol, each playing a distinct role in your body:
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup, which narrows the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
Known as “good cholesterol,” HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream by transporting it back to the liver for disposal. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, there’s a third component to monitor:
- Triglycerides: A type of fat found in your blood that, when elevated, can also increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL levels.
How to Lower Cholesterol?
Lowering cholesterol is all about making smart lifestyle changes and, if necessary, incorporating medical treatments. Here are some effective strategies:
- Include heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing saturated and trans fats found in fried foods and processed snacks.
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, most days of the week to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol.
- Add foods like oats, beans, lentils, and apples to your meals to help naturally reduce LDL cholesterol.
- Stopping smoking can raise your HDL cholesterol and significantly lower your risk of heart disease.
- If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications to help manage your levels.
Online Doctor Visits & Telehealth Services
Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare Primary & Immediate Care. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare Primary & Immediate Care’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Georgia, you can connect with our experienced urgent and primary care physicians via secure video calls.
At AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:
Who Can Benefit from Cholesterol Management Services?
- Anyone concerned about their cholesterol levels can benefit from getting their cholesterol checked and discussing management options. Individuals who should ensure they see a physician include:
- People with a family history of high cholesterol
- Anyone with early-onset heart disease
- Adults over the age of 40 should have their cholesterol checked more frequently
- Anyone with existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Those with a sedentary lifestyle
- People with unhealthy eating habits
- Anyone who smokes may need their cholesterol checked more often
How Do I Get an Appointment for Cholesterol Testing and Management at AllCare Primary & Immediate Care?
Managing cholesterol is one of the most important ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. AllCare Primary & Immediate Care offers a comprehensive model of care for diagnosing, treating, managing, and supporting individuals diagnosed with high cholesterol. Below are some easy steps to follow to begin your testing and cholesterol management journey at AllCare Primary & Immediate Care.
- Come in for Your Appointment: You can schedule your cholesterol test and management appointment online or by contacting AllCare. For your convenience, we also offer walk-in services if you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to high cholesterol.
- Share Your Medical History: During your consultation, provide relevant medical information to help our doctors better understand your medical and family history, current symptoms, and overall health.
- Receive Your Exam: In addition to a physical, blood tests will be performed to check your overall cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol and require further evaluation or treatment, we can coordinate care with one of our primary care physicians or a cardiologist, who can help manage your care at the same AllCare location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol can have many causes, and it often comes down to a combination of diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Eating too much saturated fat, trans fat, or cholesterol-rich foods like fried meals, red meat, and full-fat dairy can raise your levels. A lack of exercise doesn’t help either, as staying inactive can lower your good cholesterol (HDL) and increase the bad kind (LDL). Smoking adds to the problem by damaging blood vessels and further reducing HDL. For some, genetics play a big role—conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia can lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels. Health issues like obesity, diabetes, or hypothyroidism can also make things worse. And as we get older, cholesterol tends to creep up naturally, especially for women after menopause, when hormonal changes can push LDL levels even higher.
What foods are high in cholesterol?
Some foods naturally contain high levels of cholesterol, while others contribute to high cholesterol by being high in saturated or trans fats. These include:
- Animal-based foods: Egg yolks, organ meats (liver, kidney), shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), full-fat dairy like cheese, butter and cream.
- Processed and fried foods: Fast food, fried items like chicken and fries. Baked goods made with hydrogenated oils like pastries or cookies.
- Red and processed meats: Sausages, bacon, and fatty cuts of beef or pork
To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, focus on foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant sterols, which help lower LDL cholesterol.
How to boost HDL cholesterol?
Raising HDL, often called the “good” cholesterol, is crucial because it helps clear out LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, from your bloodstream. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to boost your HDL levels and improve your heart health. Regular exercise, like walking, cycling, or swimming for about 30 minutes most days, can make a big difference. Eating healthy fats—think avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil—also plays a key role. By incorporating small healthy habits you can support healthy cholesterol levels and take care of your heart.
What are healthy cholesterol levels?
While levels vary with age and lifestyle factors, for most adults, healthy cholesterol levels are:
- Total blood cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: Greater than 40 mg/dL for men, 50 mg/dL for women
What services does AllCare Primary & Immediate Care offer for managing cholesterol?
AllCare Primary & Immediate Care offers a wide range of services to help patients manage their high cholesterol, from initial diagnosis and testing to lifestyle recommendations and ongoing support. In addition, our all-in-one model of care makes it easy for you to see urgent care and primary care physicians as well as specialists in one convenient location.
Prioritize your health today:
schedule your high cholesterol testing appointment
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