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High Cholesterol services offered in San Fernando, CA
Almost 40% of adults in the United States have high cholesterol, which increases their risk of a heart attack and stroke. At San Fernando Medical Center in San Fernando, California, Robert Partovy, DO, and his expert team screen for and treat high cholesterol. Their treatments dramatically reduce your chance of life-threatening medical complications. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
High Cholesterol Q&A
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. You naturally produce it and need some cholesterol for your body to function correctly. Too much cholesterol causes a build-up in your bloodstream, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Getting your cholesterol levels under control reduces your chance of a stroke, a heart attack, and heart disease.
Does high cholesterol cause any symptoms?
Since high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, routine cholesterol screening is crucial to detect and treat it and keep your risk of complications low. If you develop chest pain and pressure, paralysis, confusion, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 right away.
What are the risk factors for high cholesterol?
Several things increase your chance of having high cholesterol, including:
- Diet high in animal fats
- Low intake of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods
- High body mass index (BMI)
- Too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Family history of high cholesterol
Adopting healthy habits is the best way to reduce your chance of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a heart attack or stroke.
How does my doctor diagnose high cholesterol?
To find out if you have high cholesterol, the San Fernando Medical Center team takes a sample of your blood, then sends it to a lab for analysis. They review your medical history, including your family history of diseases, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Your specialist checks your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They complete a physical exam to look for signs of potential problems.
How is high cholesterol treated?
The San Fernando Medical Center team will recommend one or both of the following treatments for high cholesterol:
Lifestyle changes
The healthy habits that can reduce high cholesterol naturally include:
- Losing weight
- Increasing your fiber intake
- Reducing animal fats in your diet
- Getting regular exercise
You should also avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
Dietary supplements
Certain dietary supplements might reduce high cholesterol levels and your chance of medical complications.
Medication
Your specialist can prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines to further reduce high cholesterol and your risk of a heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.
Schedule an appointment at San Fernando Medical Center by calling the office or booking one online today.