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:
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.