High Cholesterol

Many Americans have unhealthy cholesterol for years without knowing it, which increases their risk for heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications. At City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, educational resources, and custom treatment plans are available for adults with high cholesterol. Board-certified nurse practitioner Olumuyiwa Tony Owoyomi, NP, recommends lifestyle changes you can make to keep your cholesterol levels healthy. He can also prescribe medications to prevent severe cardiovascular complications. Call the Hempstead, New York, office today to schedule a high cholesterol screening or book an appointment online.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance that your body uses to produce new cells and hormones. The waxy substance moves through your blood by attaching to proteins and forming a lipoprotein.

Your body has two types of lipoproteins:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol because it picks up extra cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to your liver for elimination from the body.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up against the walls of your arteries. This build-up can narrow and harden the vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis.

High cholesterol describes elevated LDL cholesterol levels. Risk factors for the condition include a lack of exercise, poor diet, obesity, and aging. You may also be at increased risk for high cholesterol if you smoke.

City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC provides complete care for adults with high cholesterol. As an experienced nurse practitioner, Tony focuses on lowering your cholesterol levels and preventing complications like heart attack and stroke.

When should I seek medical attention for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol causes no symptoms, and the only way to confirm that you have high cholesterol is through a diagnostic blood test.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, if you have risk factors for high cholesterol. Tony can assess your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels to determine if you need medical treatment.

You might also benefit from routine cholesterol checks if you’re 40 or older. Earlier or more frequent screenings might be necessary if you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Initially, Tony might recommend diet and lifestyle changes to support weight loss and naturally lower your LDL cholesterol levels. He can also suggest exercises to improve your blood circulation and overall health.

When these changes aren’t enough to reduce high cholesterol, Tony can prescribe medications that help remove excess cholesterol from your blood or prevent your liver from producing additional cholesterol.

During follow-up visits in-office or through telehealth, Tony checks your cholesterol levels to ensure treatment is working well. 

Call City Hill Family Health NP, PLLC, today to schedule a screening for high cholesterol or book an appointment online.