Comprehensive Cholesterol Management
Our cholesterol management program provides evidence-based treatments to lower cardiovascular risk, optimize lipid levels, and promote long-term heart health through personalized care plans.
Understanding Cholesterol Levels
Optimal Cholesterol Targets
| Lipid Parameter | Optimal Level | Borderline High | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | < 200 mg/dL | 200-239 mg/dL | ≥ 240 mg/dL |
| LDL (Bad Cholesterol) | < 100 mg/dL | 130-159 mg/dL | ≥ 160 mg/dL |
| HDL (Good Cholesterol) | ≥ 60 mg/dL | 40-59 mg/dL | < 40 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | < 150 mg/dL | 150-199 mg/dL | ≥ 200 mg/dL |
Our Comprehensive Cholesterol Management Approach
Our cholesterol management program led by Dr. Abdul Razzaq combines advanced treatments with personalized lifestyle strategies to effectively control lipid levels and reduce cardiovascular risk:
Treatment Options for High Cholesterol
We employ a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management that includes both therapeutic lifestyle changes and advanced pharmacological treatments when necessary.
- Heart-Healthy Diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Saturated Fat Reduction: Limiting red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods
- Trans Fat Elimination: Avoiding partially hydrogenated oils and fried foods
- Soluble Fiber Increase: Incorporating oats, barley, beans, and fruits
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI
- Smoking Cessation: Complete tobacco avoidance to improve HDL levels
We carefully select cholesterol-lowering medications based on individual patient characteristics and risk factors:
- Statins: First-line therapy that reduces LDL production in the liver
- Ezetimibe: Reduces cholesterol absorption in the small intestine
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: Injectable medications for difficult-to-treat high cholesterol
- Bile Acid Sequestrants: Bind bile acids in the intestine, reducing cholesterol
- Fibrates: Primarily target high triglycerides and can raise HDL
- Niacin: Lowers LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL
Many patients benefit from combination therapy to achieve optimal lipid levels.
Regular monitoring is essential for effective cholesterol management:
- Initial lipid panel after 4-12 weeks of starting medication
- Regular testing every 3-12 months once goals are achieved
- Liver function tests for patients on statin therapy
- Assessment of medication side effects and tolerability
- Evaluation of cardiovascular risk reduction
- Lifestyle modification progress reviews
Important Note
High cholesterol typically has no symptoms, which is why it's often called a "silent" condition. Many people don't discover they have high cholesterol until they experience serious complications like a heart attack or stroke. Regular screening is essential for early detection and prevention.
Understanding Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
We use advanced risk calculators to determine your 10-year and lifetime cardiovascular risk, which helps guide the intensity of cholesterol treatment:
Major Risk Factors
- Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)
- Family history of early heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Low HDL cholesterol
- Diabetes or prediabetes
Treatment Considerations
- LDL cholesterol level
- Presence of clinical cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes status
- Chronic kidney disease
- Estimated 10-year risk
- Patient preferences and values