High Cholesterol

Early screening, diagnosis and treatment can keep your heart healthy

Our approach to high cholesterol care

High cholesterol is a common condition that can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. And we know it doesn't just run through your veins — it can run through your family history. 

That's why we're passionate about helping you manage your condition, reduce your risks and live life to the fullest. Our team of specialists will tailor your treatment plan to your lifestyle, providing care that’s as unique as you are.

Signs and symptoms of high cholesterol

High cholesterol usually doesn't cause symptoms, which means you can have it without knowing it. If you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels or are overdue to have your levels checked, talk to your primary care doctor about getting screened.

When to seek care for high cholesterol

Because high cholesterol usually doesn't have any symptoms, you should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. 

Frequent cholesterol tests are especially important if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure or smoke. 

If untreated, high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. 

Our steps to a diagnosis

Without any symptoms to point to high cholesterol, routine blood testing is the most common way to diagnose this condition.

  • Regular screening is recommended every two years for men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65, and annually for those over 65.
  • You'll have a simple lab test to measure the cholesterol levels in your blood. The results will help determine your risk of heart disease.
  • Family history, lab work, genetics and imaging studies can also help assess your overall risk and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Our treatment options

Because everyone is unique, we take a personalized approach to treating your high cholesterol. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that's right for you, based on your individual symptoms and risks.

Common treatment options include:

  • Lifestyle changes: These healthy habits can include improving your diet, getting regular exercise and limiting alcohol.
  • Nutrition consults: Our full-time, on-site cardiac nutritionist can work with you on making healthy changes to your diet.
  • Medications: Common prescription medications that treat high cholesterol include statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, niacin and fibrates.
  • Dietary supplements: Your doctor may advise you to take niacin or omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits of lowering cholesterol

Lowering your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke and your risk of needing a cardiac procedure or bypass surgery.

Meet our experts

Board-certified cardiologists and lipid specialists, supported by a compassionate staff — all here for you.

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Why choose WellSpan for high cholesterol care?

High cholesterol is a serious but manageable condition. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs, reduces your risk of heart disease and helps you live a long, healthy life.

High-level specialization

The WellSpan Advanced Lipid Care Clinic is one of the only formalized lipid clinics in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. You'll have access to a comprehensive range of specialized services to diagnose and treat high cholesterol.

Board certification in clinical lipidology

Our team includes extremely specialized cardiologists who are board-certified in clinical lipidology by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). They've demonstrated the highest-caliber education and training in the management of high cholesterol and related conditions.

On-site lipid infusion therapies

We're located conveniently close to the infusion center. If you're prescribed specialized lipid injection treatments, you'll have easy access.

Full-time cardiac nutritionist

Talking about eating better is one thing. Making it happen is something else. That's why we have a full-time, on-site cardiac nutritionist whose specialty is developing personalized dietary plans for heart-healthy eating that you can stick with.

Ultra-personalized precision medicine

Our growing Precision Medicine Program is conducting a population-level study to build a biobank of genetic data. We're studying that information to better understand the genetic factors that contribute to high cholesterol and develop more personalized treatments.