Your family doctor serves as your primary partner in managing high cholesterol (or hyperlipidemia). Unlike specialists who focus on a single organ system, our physicians at Rosedale Family Care Partners view your health holistically, considering all aspects of your lifestyle, medical history, and overall well-being.
- Routine Screening and Diagnosis: High cholesterol often has no symptoms, which is why routine screening is vital. We perform a simple blood test, called a lipid panel or lipid profile, to measure your different types of cholesterol:
- LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein, which can build up in artery walls.
- HDL ("Good") Cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein, which helps remove excess cholesterol.
- Triglycerides: Another type of fat in your blood.
- Personalized Risk Assessment: We use your cholesterol numbers, along with other risk factors like family history, blood pressure, and smoking status, to calculate your overall risk for a future cardiovascular event. This helps us tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.
- Developing a Treatment Strategy: Your family physician coordinates all aspects of your care. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and, when necessary, medication.
Lifestyle Changes: The Foundation of Lowering Cholesterol
Making healthy changes is often the first and most effective step in improving your cholesterol levels. We’ll work with you to develop achievable goals for a heart-healthy life.
- Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on foods low in saturated and trans fats, which can raise your LDL. This includes emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and healthy oils (like olive or canola oil), while limiting red meat and full-fat dairy.
- Get Active: Regular physical activity can help raise your HDL (good) cholesterol and lower your triglycerides. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight (5–10%) can help improve your cholesterol profile.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly lowers your HDL cholesterol and increases your risk. We offer support and resources to help you successfully quit.
When Medication is Needed
While lifestyle changes are crucial, sometimes they aren't enough, especially if you have a strong family history of high cholesterol or other significant risk factors. In these cases, your physician may prescribe medication.
- Statins are the most common and effective class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. They work by blocking a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol, reducing the amount of LDL in your blood.
- Other Medications may be used in conjunction with statins or as an alternative, depending on your specific needs and tolerance.
Drs. Keinarth and Alberda will discuss the pros and cons of medication with you in detail, ensuring you understand why a drug is being prescribed and what to expect. We believe in shared decision-making, where your preferences and lifestyle are always part of the conversation.
Partnering for Long-Term Health
Managing high cholesterol is a long-term commitment. As your family health home, Rosedale Family Care Partners is here for the duration. We will schedule regular follow-up visits and lipid panels to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Don't wait to take charge of your cardiovascular health. If you are due for a check-up or have concerns about your cholesterol, call us today.
Rosedale Family Care Partners, PA
Austin, TX
Physicians: Dr. Paul Keinarth and Dr. Kelly Alberda