High Cholesterol
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Delta Medical Clinic
Internists located in Burleson, TX
Dr. Kofo Ekadi is an internist serving the Burleson, Texas area. She offers high cholesterol treatment and other primary care services at her practice, Delta Medical Clinic.
High Cholesterol Q &A
Is High Cholesterol a Problem?
The body actually needs cholesterol, since it uses this blood fat (lipid) to make cell membranes and hormones, as well as for other functions. When the cholesterol level is high, cholesterol can combine with other substances in the body to form the waxy substance called plaque. When plaque builds up insides the walls or the blood vessels, it can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Heredity has an impact on cholesterol as well as other blood lipids like triglycerides. Age makes a difference; cholesterol often rises with increasing age. In women, the hormonal changes of menopause seem to affect cholesterol, as women with otherwise similar health and age who are past menopause tend to have higher cholesterol levels than those who are premenopausal. Being overweight or obese tends to go hand in hand with higher cholesterol levels.
How About High Cholesterol Treatment?
Until recently, dietary changes were the first step in treating high cholesterol. In 2015, however, the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee of the US Department of Agriculture stated that cholesterol in the diet is “not a nutrient of concern.” Statin medications are the most common treatment, but others include nicotinic acid, fibric acids, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and bile acid sequestrants. PCSK9 inhibitors, which are a new class of drug and only available as injections, may be recommended for those who can't take statins or have a family history of very high cholesterol.
Does Reducing Cholesterol Reduce My Risk of Heart Disease?
Cholesterol reduction may help, although each patient is an individual, and some factors like a family history of heart disease may have a major effect on heart disease risk. However, combining cholesterol reduction with lifestyle changes is currently recommended for anyone who is at risk of heart problems. Current recommendations are to stop or avoid tobacco, eat a healthy diet, lose weight if overweight, manage stress and get regular aerobic exercise.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
At Delta Medical Clinic, we accept most major insurance plans. Self pay patients are welcome. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. For inquiries on specific insurance plans or pricing, please contact our office.
Words from our patients
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"I cannot say enough good about this physician. She is the best primary care physician I have ever met and I am a registered nurse."
