High Cholesterol Treatment Clinic in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen VA

Several dietary changes are recommended to reduce high cholesterol. Reduce the consumption of saturated fats. Red meat and full-fat dairy products contain saturated fats, which raise your cholesterol level. Reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by consuming fewer saturated fats. Trans fats should be eliminated. 

Margarine and store-bought cookies, crackers, and cakes often contain trans fats, sometimes labeled as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.” These fats raise cholesterol levels in the body. By Jan. 1, 2021, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils will be banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

LDL cholesterol, according to healthcare professionals, is not affected by omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to reducing blood pressure, they also have other heart-healthy benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, herring, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Increase the amount of soluble fiber that you consume. Soluble fiber can reduce cholesterol absorption in your bloodstream. 

Apples, pears, kidney beans, oatmeal, kidney beans, and kidney beans contain soluble fiber. Whey protein should be added. Dairy products contain whey protein, which may explain many of their health benefits. As a supplement, whey protein reduces both LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, as well as blood pressure. 

Exercise can improve cholesterol levels. The “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), can be raised by moderate physical activity. Work up to at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week or vigorous aerobic activity for 20 minutes three times a week with your doctor’s approval. It is possible to lose weight by adding physical activity several times a day, even at short intervals. 

Weight loss and healthier eating habits can contribute to a decrease in cholesterol levels, as can avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

There are usually no symptoms associated with high cholesterol until it is an emergency. A blood test is the only way to determine whether you have high levels of LDL cholesterol. By leaving cholesterol untreated, plaque will build up over time, damaging the heart and increasing your risk for heart attacks and strokes. Early stroke and heart attack signs include slurred speech, numbness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. 

The level of cholesterol typically increases with age. It may be possible to prevent dangerously high levels later in life if you take steps to achieve or maintain healthy levels early in life. It can be difficult to treat cholesterol levels that have not been managed for years. 

Aging aside, lifestyle factors such as a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and too much alcohol consumption can contribute to high cholesterol. 

Doctors may classify a person’s levels as high, low, borderline, or healthy. A reading of 200–239 mg/dl is considered borderline high, while a reading of 240 mg/dl is considered high. 

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dl, ideally. Those with no health issues may not be concerned about levels between 100 and 129 mg/dl, but those with heart disease or its risk factors may be suggested for treatment at this stage. Readings between 130 and 159 mg/dl are borderline high, while readings between 160 and 189 mg/dl are high.

A reading of 190 mg/dl or higher is typically considered to be very high. Patients with cholesterol concerns or seeking treatment for high cholesterol can find it at PACS Urgent Care. For more information, please contact us or use our online check-in. We have convenient locations in Ruther Glen and Alexandria, VA. Serve patients from Alexandria VA, Ruther Glen VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.