Cholesterol Specialist
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Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD
Internal Medicine located in Houston, TX
If you want to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, it’s necessary to monitor your cholesterol levels. Knowing the importance of safe levels, the team at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD in Houston, Texas, makes cholesterol checks a regular part of patient exams. With routine monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and, if necessary, medication, you can reduce your risks and keep your cholesterol levels within a normal range. Call the office to learn more or request an appointment online. Telemedicine appointments are available.
Cholesterol Q & A
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance created in your body that’s necessary to build cells. Your liver naturally produces cholesterol, and you obtain it from foods that come from animals, like meat, eggs, and dairy products. But when your cholesterol levels get too high, it causes problems.
High cholesterol is associated with a narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which puts you at risk for heart disease. It also increases your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Peripheral artery disease
What happens when cholesterol is high?
You have two types of cholesterol. LDL, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” leads to the deposit of fatty plaque in the arteries. When this cholesterol gets high, you’re at risk for blockages which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
You also have HDL, or “good cholesterol.” This cholesterol removes the fatty deposits left by LDL and keeps your arteries healthy and free from blockages.
When your total cholesterol levels are high, this typically means that your LDL is elevated, while your HDL levels are low. When that happens, too much LDL leaves plaque in your arteries, and the HDL cholesterol can’t clean it all up. This is when your risk increases.
How is high cholesterol treated?
Depending on your health, family history, and cholesterol levels, your provider may recommend different ways to lower your cholesterol. Lifestyle habits, such as eating processed foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, can increase your cholesterol. That’s why the team at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD may suggest a heart-healthy diet to lower your cholesterol. This diet includes foods like:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fish Low-fat dairy products
Your provider may also recommend maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity. Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can increase your HDL, which in turn naturally lowers your LDL and total cholesterol levels. If you smoke, they may also discuss quitting, as that can significantly improve your heart health.
Beyond lifestyle changes, your provider may recommend medication to treat your high cholesterol. Medications called “statins” help reduce total cholesterol levels and lower your risk for having a heart attack or stroke.
If you have high cholesterol, it’s time to get it under control. Schedule an appointment at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD by calling the office directly or requesting an appointment online.