At Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, our team of board-certified cardiologists works closely with each patient to detect and manage high cholesterol before it leads to serious complications.
With locations in The Villages, Lecanto, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Lady Lake, Florida, we provide personalized treatment plans to help patients lower cholesterol and protect their heart health.
What You Need to Know About Cholesterol and Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for having elevated levels of lipids (fats) in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This condition is a major contributor to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Cholesterol itself is a natural substance your body needs, but too much of the wrong type can lead to serious health risks. The two main types of cholesterol are:
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels can cause fatty deposits (plaque) to build up in your arteries.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps clear excess cholesterol from your arteries, lowering your risk of heart disease.
When LDL is too high, HDL is too low, or triglycerides are elevated, you may be diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Without treatment, this imbalance can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other vascular complications.
Understanding Your Risk
If diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, your treatment plan will consider various factors such as your overall health, lifestyle habits, and pre-existing conditions like smoking or high blood pressure.
These elements, combined with your cholesterol levels, help us assess your cardiovascular risk using tools like the National Institutes of Health’s Framingham Point Score, which estimates your 10-year risk for coronary heart disease.
Steps to Lower Cholesterol
The good news is that high cholesterol is manageable. Regular cholesterol testing and working closely with your healthcare provider can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help:
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Adopting a heart-healthy diet is a critical step. This involves reducing your intake of saturated fats and trans fats, which are known to raise LDL cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to 5-6% of your daily calorie intake and following these tips:
- Opt for lean meats and low-fat dairy products.
- Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts into your meals.
- Increase your fiber intake to help lower cholesterol levels by up to 10%.
Increase Physical Activity
Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week can help boost your HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling are great options.
Quit Smoking
Smoking significantly lowers HDL cholesterol and increases your risk of coronary heart disease, especially when combined with high LDL levels. Quitting smoking can improve your cholesterol profile and overall heart health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can lead to higher LDL and lower HDL cholesterol. Losing even a small percentage of body weight can positively impact your cholesterol levels and reduce your cardiovascular risk.
Why Choose Cardiac and Vascular Consultants?
Cholesterol management at Cardiac and Vascular Consultants is guided by the expertise of Dr. Shrikanth Upadya, a board-certified cardiologist and interventional cardiologist with years of experience treating complex heart and vascular conditions. Known for his work in cardiovascular prevention and intervention, Dr. Upadya has been consistently recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
His focus on early risk detection and practical treatment planning helps patients reduce the risk of heart disease. Across our offices in The Villages, Lecanto, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Lady Lake, FL, patients trust Dr. Upadya and our team for specialized care that supports long-term heart health.
Get Help Managing Your Cholesterol in Central Florida
Managing your cholesterol can help prevent heart problems before they start. Call our main office at 352-513-3482 or our Lecanto office at 352-633-1966 today.
