High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol services offered in Olney, MD

High cholesterol is one of the most common health conditions affecting adults, but you may not even realize you have it until it leads to more serious health problems. At Monarch Concierge MD of Maryland in Olney, Maryland, Dawn Broderick, MD, takes a proactive approach to helping you manage high cholesterol. By identifying elevated cholesterol levels early and creating a plan tailored to your needs, she can help you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Protect your health today by scheduling a consultation by phone or online via the website.

High Cholesterol Q & A

What makes high cholesterol so problematic?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to build cells and produce hormones. High cholesterol often develops gradually over many years and can be influenced by:

Genetics
Age
Diet
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Diabetes
Smoking
Certain medical conditions

While your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, too much can lead to plaque buildup inside your arteries. Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, so managing your cholesterol is an important part of supporting overall wellness and healthy aging.

Does high cholesterol have any symptoms?

Because high cholesterol usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, you may feel completely healthy while cholesterol levels continue to rise. That’s why regular preventive care and routine blood testing at Monarch Concierge MD of Maryland are so important.

In many cases, the first sign of untreated high cholesterol may be a serious cardiovascular event, such as chest pain, a heart attack, or a stroke, which can take a severe toll on your mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Early detection allows Dr. Broderick to begin your treatment before you have permanent damage. If you have risk factors such as a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or tobacco use, regular cholesterol screening is especially important.

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

High cholesterol is diagnosed through a simple blood test called a lipid panel. Dr. Broderick evaluates these results along with your age, medical history, family history, and other cardiovascular risk factors to determine your overall risk for heart disease.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Treatment for high cholesterol at Monarch Concierge MD of Maryland depends on your cholesterol levels, overall health, and individual risk factors. You may be able to improve your cholesterol through:

Lifestyle adaptations

Lifestyle adaptations may include eating a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Medications

When lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, Dr. Broderick may recommend cholesterol-lowering medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Broderick to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.

Call Monarch Concierge MD of Maryland for a consultation today or book online to talk to Dr. Broderick about high cholesterol.