Managing Your Cholesterol for
a Healthier Heart
We provide personalized plans to help you lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Protecting Your Heart Health
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but it's a risk you can control. Like high blood pressure, it has no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your levels. At Advanced Family Care, Dr. Magued Ibrahim works with our patients in Lake Mary and DeBary to create an effective plan for high cholesterol management.
PERSONALIZED, UNHURRIED CARE
Our Approach to Cholesterol Management
We use a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to help you reach your cholesterol goals.
Lipid Panel Testing
A simple blood test to measure your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Heart-Healthy Diet Plans
Guidance on a diet low in saturated and trans fats to help lower your cholesterol naturally.
Exercise Recommendations
Creating a personalized exercise plan to help raise your good cholesterol and improve heart health.
Statin & Medication Therapy
Prescribing and managing medications like statins when lifestyle changes aren’t enough.
Overall Risk Assessment
We look at all your risk factors for heart disease, not just cholesterol.
Regular Monitoring
Consistent follow-up testing to ensure your treatment plan is working.
The Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease
When you have too much LDL or “bad” cholesterol in your blood, it can build up in your arteries, forming plaque. This process, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Managing your cholesterol is a critical step in preventing this.
FAQs
What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the arteries.
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
Healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. If you have risk factors for heart disease or have high cholesterol, you will need more frequent testing.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Yes, a standard lipid panel requires a 9-12 hour fast (no food or drink other than water) for the most accurate results.
Can I lower my cholesterol with diet alone?
For some people, diet and exercise are enough to control cholesterol. However, genetics also play a big role, and many people will need medication, like statins, in addition to lifestyle changes.
What are statins?
Statins are a class of medications that are very effective at lowering LDL cholesterol. Dr. Ibrahim will discuss whether a statin is right for you based on your cholesterol levels and overall risk for heart disease.