How Does Your Cholesterol Impact You?

Cholesterol is something your body needs, but too much of it can be harmful. It travels through your blood, and if you have too much, it can cause health problems. According to the CDC, about 25 million adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol. A big reason to pay attention to your cholesterol.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. Your body uses it to build cells and make hormones, vitamins. Some cholesterol comes from your liver, and the rest comes from the foods you eat, mostly from animal products like meat, cheese, and milk.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol

There are two kinds of cholesterol:

· LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is the “bad” kind. Too much of it can build up in your arteries.

· HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is the “good” kind. It helps clean out the bad cholesterol.

If you have too much LDL and not enough HDL, cholesterol can stick to your artery walls. Over time, this makes it hard for blood to flow, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Many things can lead to high cholesterol, like:

· Eating unhealthy foods (fried or fatty foods)

· Not getting enough exercise

· Smoking or breathing in smoke

· Being overweight

Some people may also have high cholesterol because of their family history or other health problems.

Why You Might Not Know You Have It

High cholesterol doesn’t usually cause symptoms. That means you might not feel sick, even if your levels are high. The only way to know is to get a simple blood test.

Health Problems It Can Cause

If you don’t treat high cholesterol, it can lead to:

· Heart disease

· Stroke

· High blood pressure

· Problems with your arteries

· Diabetes

But there’s good news—cholesterol can be managed!

Try the 3 Cs to Help

The American Heart Association recommends following the 3 Cs:

· Check: Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels.

· Change: Eat healthier foods, move your body more, and stop smoking if you do.

· Control: Work with your doctor or a specialist if you need medicine or extra help.

Who Can Help You?

Start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can test your cholesterol and help you plan what to do next. Sometimes, they might send you to a specialist.

At Pinehurst Medical Clinic, we have different specialists who can help:

· Dietitian – A dietitian helps you eat better and reach a healthy weight. This can lower your bad cholesterol.

· Endocrinologist – This doctor helps with hormone problems that can also affect cholesterol, like diabetes or thyroid issues.

· Cardiologist – A heart doctor who checks for problems caused by high cholesterol, like clogged arteries. They can help protect your heart.

Take the First Step Today

You can’t see or feel high cholesterol, but it can hurt your body over time. That’s why it’s important to get checked and take steps to stay healthy. The good news? There are simple ways to lower it—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Pinehurst Medical Clinic is here to help. Make your appointment or learn more about our specialty services here: https://www.pinehurstmedical.com/our-services