Q&A with Nathan Payne, PA-C: Cholesterol

1. What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance found in the blood. It plays a vital role in cellular structure and production. Everyone has cholesterol and everyone needs cholesterol; The problem is that some people just have too much. People with high cholesterol are at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. A blood test called a lipid panel can be ordered by your healthcare provider to determine what your cholesterol level is.

2. What is Good cholesterol?

Good cholesterol is called HDL (high density lipoprotein). HDL helps get rid of the bad cholesterol that causes cardiovascular disease, which is known as LDL (low density lipoprotein). For a healthy person without cardiovascular disease, your HDL should be greater than 60.

3. What is Bad Cholesterol?

Bad Cholesterol, or LDL (low density lipoprotein), can increase the risk for atherosclerosis (hard, brittle, clogged arteries) that, in turn, cause heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

4. How can I decrease my LDL, Bad cholesterol?

Most people can decrease LDL cholesterol by eating a healthy diet low in cholesterol and fat as well as exercising regularly. Some people may require a daily medication to help reduce LDL in their blood.

5. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my cholesterol health?

The best thing you can do to improve your cholesterol is eat a healthy diet and exercise daily. Reduce foods high in fat and cholesterol. Include 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in your daily routine; this can include walking, jogging, yoga, cycling, swimming ... just to name a few.

6. What is triglyceride? Is it important?

Triglyceride is a type of cell that has 3 chains of fat. It is essential for cellular function and energy. Like cholesterol, when our body accumulates too much it can cause health problems. When triglyceride supply exceeds your body's needs, they are stored as adipose (fat) tissue in your body. High triglycerides increase your risk for diabetes and other cardiovascular disease.

7. Does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic test for cholesterol?

Yes, we have a complex panel, called a lipid panel, that looks at LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Our panel also provides more specific information that further assists your healthcare provider with making an accurate diagnosis.

8. Does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic treat patients with high cholesterol?

Yes, every medical provider at our clinic has years of experience successfully treating patients with high cholesterol, both with medications and lifestyle modifications.

9. Does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic provide a holistic approach with medication, nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve overall heart health including cholesterol?

Yes, for most patients, a medication is not needed and changes to lifestyle will be sufficient and optimum for reducing high cholesterol to a normal level. Ask one of our healthcare providers at your next visit about changes you can make to prevent or improve high cholesterol.

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