High Cholesterol Treatment in Queens, NY
High Cholesterol Testing In Richmond Hill & Merrick, New York
If you are dealing with the challenge of high cholesterol, then you are not alone. At Merrick Clinic and Richmond Hill Clinic, our board-certified doctors, who are not just experts but leaders in the field, provide personalized care to treat, diagnose, and manage elevated cholesterol levels. We help you protect your health and reduce the long-term risks associated with high cholesterol symptoms.
High cholesterol affects around 12% of adults in the United States and is a common medical condition. If not taken early steps to manage it with expert care, it can increase the risks of developing heart diseases. Dr. Himanshu Pandya and the team offer cholesterol screenings and lipid management services at our clinics in Richmond Hill and Merrick, serving the communities of Queens, NY. Call or schedule an appointment online for a cholesterol test and personalized high cholesterol treatment today.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by your liver that plays an essential role in your body. It helps build healthy cell membranes, supports the production of certain hormones, and aids in the creation of vitamin D.
While foods like eggs, shellfish, and meat also contain cholesterol, your body typically makes all the cholesterol it needs. Because of this, dietary cholesterol is not considered essential.
However, consuming a diet high in saturated or trans fats can trigger your liver to produce more cholesterol than necessary. Over time, this can raise the cholesterol levels in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart-related issues.
Types of Cholesterol: Know the difference
Our experts help you identify different types of cholesterol measured in the cholesterol test.
- HDL (Good cholesterol)- it helps in removing LDL from the bloodstream
- LDL (Bad cholesterol)- it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease
- Triglycerides- high levels can also lead to cardiovascular issues
Knowing your cholesterol numbers is key to better managing high cholesterol.
Small Symptoms Can Signal Big Issues - Talk to Our Primary Care Doctor Now!
Call us at (718) 831-6600 (Merrick, NY) or (718) 424-2457 (Richmond Hill, NY).
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol refers to an excessive amount of lipids, or fats, in your blood—specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol. When left unmanaged, high cholesterol can silently increase your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
LDL levels are a key marker of cholesterol health. Your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL. Levels between 130–159 mg/dL are considered borderline high, while 160 mg/dL and above are classified as high and may require medical attention and lifestyle changes.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
A range of factors contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
- Lack of physical activity
- Managing a poor diet with trans fats and saturated fats
- Alcohol use and smoking
- Genetics and family history
- Obesity
- Medical conditions such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism
Understanding what causes high cholesterol is the first step in crafting an effective treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.
Recognizing High-Cholesterol Symptoms
The high-cholesterol symptoms are usually silent and go unnoticed until a major health event occurs. For this reason, routine cholesterol screening is not just important; it's crucial. It's a proactive step that can help you identify potential risks early. In many rare cases, people experience the following.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Yellowish deposits around the eyes
However, most people with high cholesterol don't experience any symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential for early detection and prevention.
Our Comprehensive Cholesterol Management Approach
At Merrick Clinic and Richmond Hill Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management that includes:
- Regular Cholesterol Screening: We help you understand your cholesterol numbers and what they mean for your health.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their specific cholesterol levels and risk factors.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Our team provides guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that can help lower cholesterol.
- Medication Management: When necessary, we prescribe and adjust cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Risk Assessment: We evaluate your overall cardiovascular risk and develop strategies to reduce it.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
