Because so many Americans suffer from high cholesterol, the term has become commonplace. Unfortunately, in spite of the prevalence of high cholesterol, it continues to be a very dangerous condition that can result in heart attacks and even death at a young age. Managing your blood cholesterol levels requires extensive knowledge and expertise, as the best treatment means something different in each unique case. Dr. Marc L. Ladenheim offers effective lipid management services to patients in and around Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Encino, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Chatsworth, North Hollywood (NoHo), Valley Glen, and Sun Valley in his Burbank, California, practice with one primary goal: to improve your overall health and wellness, reducing your risk of heart attack and essentially extending your life.
Lipids are microscopic particles in your bloodstream more commonly called cholesterol. Three different lipids exists: HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.
If you have too much bad cholesterol in your blood, it can collect on the walls of your arteries and limit or completely block blood flow to the heart, brain, or other organs. Because your blood carries oxygen to your vital organs, a blockage results in oxygen deprivation and death or damage to the organ. When the organ affected is your heart or brain, permanent damage or even death can occur.
High cholesterol does not present noticeable signs and symptoms. Most people find out they have high cholesterol after receiving routine blood work during their annual physical. To prevent the complications associated with untreated high cholesterol, it’s imperative that you have a physical at least once per year.
Poor nutrition, smoking, heredity, lack of exercise, and obesity, among other factors, all contribute to high cholesterol.
The most important aspect of treatment is your lifestyle. Dr. Ladenheim can assist you in making the lifestyle changes most likely to impact your cholesterol. These may include:
Additionally, medications may be used to lower your cholesterol when lifestyle changes aren’t effective alone. Medications are most effective when combined with nutrition and exercise.
Family medicine, internal medicine, primary care, or cardiovascular doctors can assist you in managing your cholesterol. Because cholesterol management can be complex and varies greatly from one patient to the next, choosing a doctor who specializes in this service can improve your chances for successful management and limit your risk of complications. This ensures the doctor receives continuing education on cholesterol management and has treated a large variety of cases – ranging from mild to very complex – better preparing them to manage your condition. Call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Ladenheim if you have cholesterol issues.
