High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a medical condition where an individual exhibits an elevated level of what is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
There are actually multiple particles that carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood stream, but the two most well known are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein). Triglycerides are also reported on a lipid panel, and, when high, also indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
High levels of LDL are considered unhealthy because they contribute to cholesterol plaque buildup in arteries, causing the arteries to narrow and harden – a disease known as atherosclerosis. This increases the risk for heart attack, stroke or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
High triglycerides are also bad because when they leave the LDL particle, they are oxidized and cause damage to the lining of the arteries and the LDL particle, which makes it far more likely to become part of a cholesterol plaque.
HDL (sometimes known as “good” cholesterol) actually removes cholesterol from the arteries, and repairs oxidative damage in the body and on LDL, making it less dangerous. Unlike LDL and triglycerides, a high reading of HDL is actually a good thing.
Medication
The most common drugs that can be prescribed to lower LDL levels are called statins. Statins block a substance that your body uses to make cholesterol. Statins may also help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in plaques on the walls of the artery, thereby preventing further blockage in the blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attack.
Natural Prevention of High Cholesterol
There are many natural opportunities to reduce high levels of LDL through lifestyle and diet. These include:
- Eating heart-healthy foods
- Regular exercise
- Reducing excess weight
Dr. Andrew Fink Treats Patients with High Cholesterol
Dr. Fink works one-on-one with his patients who not only have high levels of LDL, but also with abnormal ratios of HDL and triglycerides, to help them reduce their risk of serious vascular and heart disease. Dr. Fink advocates and encourages patients toward a healthier lifestyle as a natural treatment for high cholesterol and he prescribes appropriate medication as needed.
