High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, is a common but serious condition that increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. At InTouch Primary Care in Sugar Land, TX, we provide personalized care to help you manage your cholesterol levels effectively and protect your long-term health.
Nearly 1 in 3 American adults have high cholesterol, significantly increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Through evidence-based lifestyle interventions and personalized care, managing cholesterol levels becomes achievable, helping patients protect their cardiovascular health for years to come.
Dr. Ashaye’s Approach to Cholesterol Management
“Cholesterol management requires understanding that not all cholesterol is bad,” explains Dr. Adelola Ashaye, board-certified Family and Lifestyle Medicine physician. “My focus is on helping patients optimize their cholesterol profile through targeted dietary changes and lifestyle modifications that address the root causes while supporting overall heart health.”
What Is Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance needed by your body to provide structure for cells and produce important hormones. While cholesterol isn’t inherently harmful, elevated levels in your blood can lead to cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart failure. Understanding the different types of cholesterol helps you make informed decisions about your health.
Your cholesterol profile includes several important components that work differently in your body:
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in your blood that, when elevated, increases your risk of heart disease
- High Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Often called “good” cholesterol, HDL absorbs cholesterol in your blood and transports it back to the liver, helping remove excess cholesterol from your body
- Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL transports cholesterol throughout your body and can build up in artery walls when levels become too high
- Total Cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both HDL and LDL levels
When LDL cholesterol levels remain elevated over time, plaque builds up in your arteries, narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow to vital organs like your heart and brain.
Common Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
Several factors can increase your risk of hyperlipidemia, including:
Diet
Consuming foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
Genetics
Family history of high cholesterol.
Lifestyle
Lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
Age and Gender
Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age; men are at higher risk earlier in life.
Common Symptoms of Elevated Cholesterol
High cholesterol typically doesn’t cause obvious symptoms until serious complications develop. Most people discover elevated cholesterol levels through routine blood testing during preventive care visits. However, some warning signs may indicate advanced cardiovascular complications from long-term high cholesterol.
Symptoms that may suggest cholesterol-related complications include:
Chest Pain
Pressure or discomfort in the chest, especially during physical activity
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing during normal activities or exercise
Leg Pain
Cramping or pain in the legs during walking, which may indicate peripheral artery disease
Fatigue
Unusual tiredness that may result from reduced blood flow to organs
Dizziness
Lightheadedness that could indicate compromised blood circulation
Heart Palpitations
Irregular heartbeat or feeling like your heart is racing
Numbness or Weakness
Particularly in extremities, which may indicate circulation problems
Yellow Deposits
Yellowish deposits around the eyes or on tendons, indicating very high cholesterol levels
Did You Know?
- Over 94 million U.S. adults have cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dL, considered borderline high.
- Only about 55% of adults with high cholesterol are receiving treatment.
(Source: CDC)
What to Expect During Your Cholesterol Care
Your comprehensive cholesterol evaluation begins with a detailed lipid panel that measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Dr. Ashaye reviews your complete health history, family cardiovascular history, current medications, and lifestyle factors that influence cholesterol production and metabolism.
Understanding your personal risk factors helps create an effective treatment strategy. Age, gender, smoking history, blood pressure levels, diabetes status, and family history all influence your cardiovascular risk profile. Dr. Ashaye uses this information to determine your target cholesterol levels and develop a personalized management plan.
Your treatment plan emphasizes evidence-based dietary modifications proven to improve cholesterol profiles. The focus centers on increasing beneficial foods while reducing those that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Dr. Ashaye provides specific guidance on incorporating heart-healthy foods into your daily routine.
“I work with each patient to develop realistic dietary changes they can sustain long-term,” notes Dr. Ashaye. “Small, consistent modifications in food choices often produce significant improvements in cholesterol levels within just a few months.”
Regular follow-up monitoring allows for treatment adjustments based on your progress and ensures you’re moving toward optimal cholesterol levels safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | High Cholesterol
Most adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, but individuals with risk factors may need more frequent screenings.
While it may not be completely reversed, lifestyle changes and medication can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.
No, genetics, lack of exercise, and other factors can also contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Focus on plant-based carbohydrates from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, popcorn, rye, quinoa, whole oats, and whole grain bread. Choose polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as cold-water fatty fish, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, avocado, nuts, seeds, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and olive oil.
Limit or avoid processed foods that tend to contain added fats, sugar, and sodium, which contribute to insulin resistance and elevated cholesterol. Avoid trans fats, limit saturated fats found in cheese, baked goods, dairy, meats, and fried foods, which can worsen cholesterol profiles.
Yes, substituting animal protein with plant proteins like kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans, black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, split peas, lentils, and edamame can significantly improve cholesterol levels while providing essential nutrients.
While you don’t need to eliminate all animal proteins, it’s beneficial to avoid or limit red meat and chicken, which are significant sources of saturated fat. Focus on lean options and consider increasing plant-based protein sources in your diet.
Choose carbohydrates from whole food sources rather than processed foods. Processed carbohydrates often contain added sugars and unhealthy fats that can lead to insulin resistance and negatively impact cholesterol levels.
The foods to most strictly avoid include meat, baked goods, fried foods, cheese, added sugars, and dairy products. These foods are primary contributors to elevated LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
Yes, we provide personalized nutritional guidance to help manage your cholesterol effectively.
Why Choose InTouch Primary Care for Cholesterol Management?
Dr. Adelola Ashaye’s expertise in both Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine provides a comprehensive approach to cholesterol management that goes beyond simply prescribing medications. As a 2024 Top Doctor recognized by Houstonia Magazine, she understands that sustainable cholesterol improvements require personalized attention and practical lifestyle support.
Through the Direct Primary Care model, you receive dedicated time during appointments to discuss your concerns, understand your treatment options, and develop strategies that fit your lifestyle. Dr. Ashaye’s evidence-based approach emphasizes sustainable dietary changes that can reduce your dependence on medications while improving your overall cardiovascular health.
Personalized Care
Tailored treatment plans to address your unique health needs.
Convenient Access
Same-day or next-business-day appointments for timely care.
Proactive Approach
Focus on prevention and long-term wellness to help you maintain a healthy heart.
Meet Dr. Adelola Ashaye
My interest in the medical field was first sparked when I was in high school, by my observation of a patient-doctor relationship. Many years have passed since that interaction which took place at Alpena General Hospital in Michigan; and it is the desire to build and maintain meaningful long lasting relationships that continues to draw me to medicine.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
High cholesterol doesn’t have to define your health future. With proper guidance, regular cholesterol screening, and targeted lifestyle modifications, you can achieve healthy cholesterol levels and significantly reduce your cardiovascular risk. At InTouch Primary Care in Sugar Land, TX, we’re here to help you take control of your cholesterol levels and improve your overall wellness. Our personalized treatment plans include expert guidance on lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and effective medical management to help you lower your cholesterol and protect your heart health. With ongoing support and a proactive approach, we make managing hyperlipidemia simple and effective. Together, we’ll work to create a healthier heart and a brighter future, empowering you to achieve lasting wellness and peace of mind.
