Cholesterol Management Center in Brooklyn, NY

About Cholesterol Management

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that is manufactured by the liver from the fatty foods that we eat, and plays a vital part in allowing the body to function normally. However, very high cholesterol levels can be dangerous and fatal. There are three main types of lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “Bad Cholesterol”, High density lipoprotein (HDL) or “Good Cholesterol” and, Triglycerides. Evidence strongly indicates that high levels of bad cholesterol can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks and strokes.

Vascular doctors in Brooklyn manage high cholesterol using conservative and non-conservative options. Lifestyle modifications incorporate increased physical activity and improved diet. Patients are advised to:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Reduce the consumption of foods containing saturated fats such as red meat, meat pies and sausages, hard cheese, butter and lard, pastry, cakes and biscuits, and cream.

Increase the consumption of unsaturated fats including oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil, and vegetable oils.
Lose weight if you are overweight and maintain a healthy BMI
Stop smoking
Reduce alcohol intake to not more than 3-4 units a day for men, and 2-3 units a day for women.

If lifestyle modifications alone do not reduce your cholesterol levels, your Brooklyn cardiologist may prescribe cholesterol lowering medications. These include:

Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Statins, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, work by blocking the enzyme (chemical) in your liver that is needed for making cholesterol. Statins sometimes have mild side effects which can include constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and abdominal pain.
Aspirin may be recommended, depending on your age and a number of other factors. A low daily dose of aspirin can prevent blood clots from forming. Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin.
Niacin is a B vitamin that is found in foods and in multi-vitamin supplements.
Other medications, such as cholesterol absorption inhibitors (ezetimibe), and bile-acid sequestrants, are also sometimes used to treat high cholesterol. However, they may be less effective than other forms of treatment and have more side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cholesterol Management Brooklyn, NY

How dangerous is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol might become an issue for someone if it has reached a certain level of severity. Cholesterol levels in the body are related to the fatty foods we eat, and high levels of the bad kind of cholesterol can cause major health issues like heart attacks and even strokes. If you think that you may have high cholesterol, or want to learn the best ways to manage your cholesterol, contact our office for an appointment with our expert cardiologists at MKR Medical PC. We are leading providers of all major cardiovascular tests in Brooklyn, NY, and our highly experienced physicians can educate you on everything you need to know about managing high cholesterol.

How can High Cholesterol be managed?

High cholesterol may put your health at risk, but there are changes that individuals can typically make to their lifestyle and habits to manage high cholesterol. An excessive amount of low density lipoproteins can be caused by an unhealthy diet. Changes to the diet like reducing saturated fat intake from foods like ice cream, red meats, cheeses, and pastries are often recommended to help reduce LDL levels. Unsaturated fats however, are normally increased to bring up the levels of good cholesterol. To learn more about managing your cholesterol contact our office to set up an appointment today.

Are there any treatments or medications for High Cholesterol?

When traditional lifestyle modification approaches do not reduce cholesterol levels, there are a number of medications that can help. Statins, Aspirin, Niacin, and other medications are often recommended by cardiologists to help patients lower their cholesterol. Depending on your individual medical history and severity of your cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend one medication over another. To learn more about medications that help you manage your cholesterol, and to get on a cholesterol reduction plan that works for you, contact our offices today to schedule your appointment with our expert cardiologists.

What is the root cause of High Cholesterol?

There are many factors from diet, to family genetics that can cause dangerous levels of high cholesterol in the body. For both good and bad cholesterol to be at an ideal level, lifestyle modifications, and medication may be necessary. Other factors like smoking and obesity can also cause high cholesterol. To lean more contact our office today.

When I look for a place to get tested for High Cholesterol Brooklyn, NY has several cardiology offices, why should I go to MKR Medical PC?

At MKR Medical PC, we are experts in all matters pertaining to your cardiovascular health, not just high cholesterol. We have a state of the art facility that is fully equipped with all testing equipment for all major cardiac tests. We are leaders in preventative cardiology in Brooklyn, NY and the surrounding areas of Brooklyn. Our physicians are experts in managing high cholesterol, and can make an individualized plan for you to get your cholesterol levels within normal range. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with our cardiologists in Brooklyn, NY.