High Cholesterol

High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Taking a preventive approach to health, interventional cardiologist Parham Parto, MD, MPH, FACC, at Parto Heart & Vascular in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California, specializes in treating high cholesterol. His goal is to stop or reduce your risk of developing complications. Call the office most convenient to you today, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat made by your liver. Your body uses cholesterol to make cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. You need cholesterol, but not too much.

Though some people have a genetic predisposition to produce too much cholesterol, lifestyle is the most common cause of high cholesterol. Smoking, not getting enough exercise, and poor nutrition are lifestyle habits that increase the risk of high cholesterol.

What happens when I have high cholesterol?

Having high cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol circulating in your blood. The excess cholesterol in your blood sticks to the walls of your blood vessels. The fat then combines with other substances, creating plaque (sticky fatty deposits). 

Over time, the plaque builds up along the walls of your blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of health complications like coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and carotid artery disease.

High cholesterol may also cause or worsen hypertension, also called high blood pressure. 

You can’t feel high cholesterol, and you may not have any symptoms until you develop other health problems. Getting your blood cholesterol checked is the only way to know if you have high cholesterol.

When should I schedule an evaluation for high cholesterol?

You should schedule an evaluation for high cholesterol at Parto Heart & Vascular if you want to improve your numbers and lower your risk of complications. Dr. Parto understands the health risks of high cholesterol and takes a proactive and preventive approach to care.

At Parto Heart & Vascular, he uses the latest technologies to perform a cardiovascular risk assessment and create effective approaches to manage your high cholesterol. 

In addition to checking your blood lipid levels, Dr. Parto does cardiac imaging to look for signs of CAD and may recommend cardiovascular genetic testing.

What can I do to improve high cholesterol?

You can improve your high cholesterol by making lifestyle changes. Dr. Parto explains the findings from your cardiovascular risk assessment and creates a personalized plan to improve your cholesterol and lower your risk of complications.

He provides guidance on what lifestyle changes you can make to lower your cholesterol, such as adding more fiber to your diet or getting regular exercise. He may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.

For patients who need more one-on-one care, Dr. Parto makes referrals to cardiovascular rehabilitation programs.

Are you concerned about your high cholesterol? Call Parto Heart & Vascular today or book an appointment online for an evaluation and personalized plan.