How Primary Care Can Help You Manage High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of the most common—and manageable—health risks for adults in the U.S. According to the CDC, nearly 94 million American adults have high total cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. The good news? Your primary care provider can help you take charge of your cholesterol and reduce your risk through regular monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and medication if needed.
At Fairfax Family Practice Centers (FFPC), we take a comprehensive approach to managing cholesterol that starts with understanding your numbers and ends with a plan that works for your life.
What is cholesterol and why does it matter?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. But too much cholesterol in the blood—particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or “bad” cholesterol—can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, narrowing them over time and restricting blood flow.
There are several components of a cholesterol test:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (bad cholesterol)
- HDL (good cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
A low LDL is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke , while higher HDL levels are considered protective against these events.
How your primary care provider can help
1. Routine Screening
Cholesterol screening is minimally recommended every 4–6 years for adults, and more frequently if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease. Your FFPC provider can order a lipid panel and help interpret the results in context with your overall health.
2. Personalized Lifestyle Guidance
If your cholesterol is high, lifestyle changes are usually the first line of defense. Your provider can offer guidance on:
- Heart-healthy eating (e.g., reducing saturated fats, increasing fiber)
- Physical activity recommendations
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss plans
Even small changes—like walking 30 minutes a day or switching to olive oil—can have a big impact.
3. Medication Management
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to bring your cholesterol down, your provider may prescribe a statin or other lipid-lowering medication. They’ll monitor for side effects and adjust dosages as needed. Ongoing follow-up is essential to ensure medications are working and tolerable.
4. Coordinated, Whole-Person Care
High cholesterol rarely exists in isolation. Your FFPC provider will look at your overall cardiovascular risk, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and lifestyle habits. They may also collaborate with specialists like cardiologists, dietitians, or endocrinologists if your situation is complex.
5. Education and Empowerment
Managing cholesterol is a lifelong process. Your provider is your partner in this journey, helping you understand your risks and giving you the tools to stay in control.
7. Are there any medications or supplements I should start, stop, or change?
Bring a list of everything you take—prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Your provider can review for interactions, check dosages, and assess whether everything is still necessary. They may recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness or reduce side effects.
When to get tested
If your provider orders bloodwork, ask to review your results during your visit or make a plan to review your results after they are drawn.. Understanding what your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers mean can help you take a more active role in managing your health.
Final thoughts
High cholesterol may be common, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. With the right support and a proactive approach, you can manage your cholesterol and protect your heart health for years to come.
Ready to check your cholesterol or discuss a management plan? With over 50 years of trusted care, we’re here to help you stay well, for life. Schedule an appointment today.
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