High Cholesterol Specialist
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JAX Family Care
Jairo De La Hoz, MD
Primary Care located in Jacksonville, FL
Lowering high cholesterol means reducing your risk for multiple cardiovascular complications, including heart attack and stroke. At JAX Family Care in Jacksonville, Florida, Jairo De La Hoz, MD, offers in-office and telehealth visits to manage medications and build a diet and exercise plan to lower your cholesterol. Book your next appointment by calling the office or scheduling online today.
High Cholesterol Q&A
What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a long-term health concern related to your genetics, activity level, and dietary habits. In order to understand exactly what high cholesterol is and the effects it has on your body, you first need to know about cholesterol and its function.
Cholesterol is a waxy lipid that naturally comes from your liver. Inside your body, it helps
create hormones and form cell membranes. Since cholesterol can’t travel through your bloodstream
on its own, lipoproteins (components made of fat and protein) must carry cholesterol through
your blood.
Lipoproteins are categorized into high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). When LDLs carry cholesterol, it’s called LDL cholesterol. High cholesterol happens when you have too much LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream, as it can build up along the walls of your arteries and limit blood flow.
What are the complications of having high cholesterol?
Without testing from your physician, high cholesterol is hard or impossible to detect. The condition usually doesn’t come with symptoms, so Dr. De La Hoz might suggest coming in for cholesterol screenings if you’re over 20 years old and at risk for high cholesterol. Without screenings, your first indication of high cholesterol could be a serious health complication.
If you don’t find a way to treat or manage your high cholesterol, the possible complications include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Chest pain (angina)
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypertension
- Gallstones
If your risk for high cholesterol isn’t high, you probably won’t need screening tests. Dr. De La Hoz may recommend them if you have a strong family history of the condition, you’re overweight or obese, if you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, or if you consume lots of saturated and trans fats.
How can I manage my high cholesterol?
JAX Family Care offers the resources and individualized care you need to safely lower or manage your cholesterol and avoid complications. Your care plan, which can include remote telemedicine visits and follow-ups for your convenience, may include:
Dietary modification
Dr. De La Hoz can help you build a cholesterol-friendly diet by limiting high-risk food groups like saturated fats, trans fats, and foods high in sugar.
Habit changes
You may need to stop drinking alcohol, get more exercise, maintain your weight, and make other lifestyle modifications to effectively manage your cholesterol.
Medications
There are plenty of cholesterol-lowering meditations available, including statins, niacin, and combination drugs. Dr. De La Hoz monitors you and can change your dosages during medication management appointments.
To learn more about high cholesterol and what to do to manage it, call JAX Family Care or schedule an appointment online today.
