High Cholesterol Management
High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, yet it silently raises your risk for life-threatening conditions like heart attack, stroke, and artery disease. At SWAN Primary Care Bloomingdale, IL clinic, we don’t just monitor numbers, we take a proactive and physician-led approach to protect what matters most, your heart. With guidance from a devoted cholesterol provider and lipid specialist, we create patient-centered and results-driven plans to help you take control of your cholesterol and restore your confidence.
What is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance essential for building cells and producing hormones, but not all cholesterol is beneficial. LDL (bad cholesterol) can build up in arteries, causing plaque and narrowing of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, while HDL (good cholesterol) helps remove excess cholesterol and protect heart health.
At SWAN Primary Care, our expert lipidologist provider specializes in managing cholesterol disorders. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a trusted solution from a leading cholesterol physician near you, we’re here to guide you toward better heart health.
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Have questions or need care? Reach out today, your heart health starts with a simple step.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) suggests a person’s first cholesterol diagnosis between the ages of 9 and 11.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) suggests a person’s first cholesterol diagnosis between the ages of 9 and 11. While there are no obvious symptoms of high cholesterol yet some potential warning signs are as follows.
- High blood pressure
- Cold or numb extremities
- Breath shortage
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Causes of High Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels are influenced by a range of lifestyle and health factors. At SWAN Primary Care, we take a comprehensive approach by thoroughly assessing your medical history to understand the key contributors to your cholesterol imbalances and develop a special plan to support your heart health.
Obesity
Carrying excess weight increases bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers good cholesterol (HDL), raising the risk of heart disease.
Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and lowers HDL cholesterol, leading to plaque buildup and increasing the risk of heart problems.
Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol intake raises cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues
Poor Diet
A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can elevate LDL levels, leading to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Genetics
Family history plays a significant role in cholesterol levels, making some individuals more vulnerable to high cholesterol, regardless of lifestyle.
Lack of Physical Activity
Being inactive leads to weight gain and lower HDL cholesterol, contributing to higher cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
Certain Medications
Some medications, such as steroids and diuretics, can increase cholesterol levels, affecting heart health and overall wellness.
Diabetes
High blood sugar from diabetes can raise cholesterol levels, especially LDL, increasing the risk of heart disease and vascular problems.
Age
As you age, your body processes cholesterol less efficiently, which often results in higher cholesterol levels and an increased heart risk.
Manage High Cholesterol with the Right Treatment
It’s about creating sustainable change that protects your heart for years to come. At SWAN Primary Care, we go beyond medication by identifying the full picture, including metabolic patterns, lifestyle barriers, and underlying conditions that influence your cholesterol levels.
Using advanced lab testing and evidence-based protocols, we develop a results-driven care plan exclusive to your biology, not a one-size-fits-all approach. From coaching you on heart-smart nutrition to optimizing your medication, we make every step actionable and achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Limit saturated fats, trans fats, and foods high in cholesterol, such as red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed snacks.
Yes, chronic stress can affect your cholesterol levels by increasing bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol, making stress management crucial.
Yes! SWAN Primary Care in Bloomingdale offers specialized care with expert lipidologists to help manage and lower cholesterol levels effectively in Bloomingdale, IL, including Roselle, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Addison, Schaumburg, Wood Dale, Glen Ellyn, and nearby cities.
As you age, cholesterol processing becomes less efficient, often leading to higher cholesterol levels and increased cardiovascular risks.
Unmanaged high cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
Yes, high cholesterol can run in families, making it even more important to monitor your cholesterol if you have a family history.
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Take control of your health with our experts who care about your journey, not just your symptoms.
