High Cholesterol
High cholesterol management focuses on helping individuals control and maintain healthy cholesterol levels to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Effective treatment involves a personalized approach that may include lifestyle changes, nutritional guidance, medication management, and routine health monitoring.
At Riverside Primary Care Doctors Inc, our healthcare team works closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan based on their individual health needs and risk factors. Through ongoing support and preventive care, we help patients improve heart health and achieve long-term wellness.
Whether you need cholesterol screening, treatment recommendations, or continued cardiovascular care, our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way toward better heart health and a healthier future.
Why Early Cholesterol Management Is Important
High cholesterol often shows no symptoms but can lead to serious issues like heart attack or stroke if left untreated. Our focus is on early detection, proactive care, and helping you live a longer, healthier life.
What’s Included
1. What are the different types of cholesterol and what levels should I aim for?
Cholesterol is generally divided into two main types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good” cholesterol. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is an important part of protecting your heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
At Riverside Primary Care Doctors Inc, we help patients understand their cholesterol numbers and work toward healthy target ranges, including:
- Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL, or below 70 mg/dL for individuals at higher cardiovascular risk
- HDL (Good) Cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
Because every patient’s health profile is different, ideal cholesterol goals may vary based on factors such as age, medical history, lifestyle, and overall cardiovascular risk. Our healthcare team provides personalized guidance and treatment plans to help you achieve and maintain optimal heart health.
2. What lifestyle changes can help lower my cholesterol naturally?
Healthy lifestyle changes are often the first and most effective step in managing high cholesterol and improving overall heart health. At Riverside Primary Care Doctors Inc, we provide personalized guidance to help patients make sustainable changes that support long-term cardiovascular wellness.
Recommended lifestyle modifications may include:
- Following a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats
- Increasing fiber intake through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
- Engaging in regular physical activity, including at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
- Managing stress through healthy coping methods and relaxation techniques
When practiced consistently, these healthy habits can help lower cholesterol levels, improve circulation, reduce cardiovascular risk, and support better overall health and well-being.
3. When is medication needed for high cholesterol and what are my options?
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to achieve healthy cholesterol levels, especially for individuals with additional cardiovascular risk factors or existing heart conditions. When necessary, medication may be recommended as part of a comprehensive cholesterol management plan.
Common cholesterol-lowering medications may include:
- Statins – the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Bile Acid Sequestrants – medications that help remove cholesterol from the body
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors – used to reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food
- PCSK9 Inhibitors – advanced treatment options for patients at high cardiovascular risk
- Fibrates – often prescribed to help lower high triglyceride levels
At Riverside Primary Care Doctors Inc, our healthcare providers carefully evaluate each patient’s overall health, medical history, age, risk factors, and potential medication side effects before recommending treatment. We focus on creating personalized care plans designed to safely and effectively support long-term heart health and cholesterol control.
