High Cholesterol Services Offered in Frisco, TX
Up to 38% of Americans ages 18 and older have high cholesterol. The condition is common but doesn't present obvious symptoms, so you could be at risk and not know it. Heart disease is the # 1 silent killer.
At Signature Internal Medicine, concierge internal medicine specialists Humera Ahmed, MD, and Dina Diehl, DO, provide a range of treatments and evaluations for high cholesterol, including nutrition guidance, prescription medication, and medically supervised weight loss.
They work with an updated heart disease technology healthcare company called Cleerly CT, which provides a detailed analysis of plaque buildup in the heart arteries and provides an accurate cardiac risk analysis to determine the patient's risk for heart attack.
We are also offering CIMT scans, which are non-invasive ultrasounds of your carotid arteries that measure the thickness of the layers of the arteries. When the arteries become thick and inflamed, that can be a predictor for early vascular disease.
To make an appointment, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or book online today.
High Cholesterol Q & A
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy material found in your blood that helps build healthy cells. Everyone needs cholesterol to survive, but if your levels remain high, you're more likely to experience cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or a stroke.
High cholesterol runs in some people's families, but you can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.
How often should I be screened for high cholesterol?
Signature Internal Medicine recommends that everyone 18 and older undergo cholesterol screening every one or two years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or an underlying health problem, like diabetes or high blood pressure, more frequent tests might be necessary. Signature Internal Medicine offers advanced lipid screening for a more detailed analysis of one's cholesterol profile to accurately assess the risk.
What are the types of cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol, including:
1) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL transports fatty particles throughout your body. Over the years, it builds up in your arteries, causing them to harden and narrow.
2) High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL cholesterol picks up LDL particles and takes them back to your liver, where your body processes them with other waste.
Who might experience high cholesterol?
Anyone can develop high cholesterol, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You're also more likely to experience high cholesterol if you live a sedentary lifestyle and don't exercise often.
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
Signature Internal Medicine diagnoses high cholesterol with a blood test called a lipid panel. The lipid panel checks several factors, including your LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels. It's vital to fast for at least 12 hours before to ensure an accurate test.
Cholesterol is measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliters of blood (mg/dL). Any reading of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates a cholesterol problem.
How is high cholesterol treated?
Signature Internal Medicine treats high cholesterol with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. If exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation don't lower your cholesterol levels, your provider might prescribe one of the following drugs:
After a lipid panel and a physical exam, your provider can make recommendations that align with your needs.