High Cholesterol

High cholesterol escalates your risk of heart disease and stroke. However, it rarely causes symptoms. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, offers cholesterol screening, lifestyle guidance, and the latest treatments to manage your heart health. Call Parkview Cardiology PLLC or use the online booking feature to request an appointment.

What is high cholesterol?

High cholesterol occurs when there are unhealthy levels of the following fats (lipids) in your blood:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL (bad cholesterol) accumulates in your arteries, forming plaque that restricts blood flow.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL (good cholesterol) helps remove LDL from your bloodstream.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides come from excess calories that your body stores as fat.

Lipoprotein(a)

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of LDL particle with an added protein called apolipoprotein(a). High levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Apolipoprotein B

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a key protein found in LDL and other lipoproteins. Its level reflects the number of cholesterol-carrying particles that can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

When LDL and triglycerides are high or HDL is too low, it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease.

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

Excess LDL and triglycerides can cause atherosclerosis — a condition where fatty plaque hardens inside your arteries. This makes it difficult for blood to flow and can lead to:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Carotid artery disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke

These conditions often develop silently for years, which is why screening is so important.

Scientific understanding of cholesterol down to the subparticle level has evolved greatly in the last few years. The relationship between cholesterol and other metabolic factors is complex, but Parkview Cardiology PLLC offers expert, board-certified interpretation and management.

What causes high cholesterol?

There are two main types of high cholesterol. 

Primary high cholesterol is inherited through family genetics. The more common kind, secondary cholesterol, is due to an unhealthy lifestyle or certain medical conditions, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• A diet high in saturated and/or trans fats
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use

Usually, high cholesterol has no symptoms until it causes serious complications like chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain from blocked arteries.

A lipid panel blood test calculates your LDL, HDL, triglycerides, Lp(a), ApoB, and total cholesterol. Dr. Sankholkar interprets these results and evaluates your risk factors to determine the best treatment.

What treatments are available for high cholesterol?

High cholesterol treatment focuses on lowering LDL and triglycerides while raising HDL. Depending on your levels of each and why you have high cholesterol, treatments could include:

Lifestyle changes

A healthy diet, consistent exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can all reduce LDL and triglycerides.

Medications

Statins are the most common medications for high cholesterol. Other options include ezetimibe, fibrates, and new injectable therapies for stubborn cases.

If you haven’t had your cholesterol checked recently, contact Parkview Cardiology PLLC by phone or online for an expert evaluation.