Cholesterol Management & Heart Health
Protect your heart with comprehensive cholesterol management and cardiovascular care in Las Vegas.
Schedule Cholesterol CheckUnderstanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build healthy cells. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news is that cholesterol levels can be managed through lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication.
At Med-Care Providers Family, we provide comprehensive cholesterol management to help you maintain healthy levels and protect your cardiovascular health. Our approach combines regular monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and personalized treatment plans.
Types of Cholesterol
Understanding the different types of cholesterol and their target levels is key to managing your heart health.
Total Cholesterol
Less than 200 mg/dL
Overall cholesterol in your blood
LDL (Bad)
Less than 100 mg/dL
Low-density lipoprotein that can clog arteries
HDL (Good)
40+ mg/dL (men) 50+ mg/dL (women)
High-density lipoprotein that removes bad cholesterol
Triglycerides
Less than 150 mg/dL
Type of fat in blood that affects heart health
Comprehensive Cholesterol Management Services
Cholesterol Testing
Complete lipid panels, advanced cholesterol testing, and regular monitoring.
Risk Assessment
Cardiovascular risk evaluation using advanced calculators and family history.
Dietary Counseling
Heart-healthy nutrition plans and cholesterol-lowering diet strategies.
Exercise Planning
Personalized exercise programs to improve cholesterol levels and heart health.
Medication Management
Statin therapy and other cholesterol-lowering medications when needed.
Lifestyle Modification
Comprehensive lifestyle changes to naturally improve cholesterol levels.
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Heart-Healthy Foods
Foods to Include:
- Oats and whole grains (soluble fiber)
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts)
- Olive oil and avocados
- Fruits and vegetables (especially berries)
- Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Foods to Limit
Foods to Avoid or Reduce:
- Saturated fats (red meat, full-fat dairy)
- Trans fats (processed and fried foods)
- High-cholesterol foods (organ meats)
- Refined sugars and carbohydrates
- Processed and packaged foods
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Exercise for Better Cholesterol
Regular physical activity can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Aerobic Exercise
Cardio activities that get your heart pumping and improve circulation.
150 minutes per week
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Dancing
Strength Training
Resistance exercises that build muscle and boost metabolism.
2-3 times per week
- Weight lifting
- Resistance bands
- Bodyweight exercises
- Yoga
Flexibility & Balance
Activities that improve flexibility, balance, and stress reduction.
Daily or as desired
- Stretching
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Pilates
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications can effectively lower cholesterol levels.
Common Medications
Statins
Most common and effective cholesterol-lowering drugs
Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bind to bile acids to lower cholesterol
Cholestyramine, Colesevelam
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Block cholesterol absorption in the intestine
Ezetimibe
PCSK9 Inhibitors
Injectable medications for very high cholesterol
Evolocumab, Alirocumab
Medication Guidelines
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Don't stop taking statins without consulting your doctor
- Report any muscle pain or weakness immediately
- Get regular liver function tests as recommended
- Continue heart-healthy lifestyle habits
- Keep regular follow-up appointments
- Monitor for drug interactions
- Take most statins in the evening for best effect
Cholesterol Management FAQs
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years starting at age 20. If you have risk factors or elevated levels, more frequent testing may be needed - typically every 1-2 years.
Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
Many people can improve their cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes alone. However, some people with genetic factors or very high levels may need medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
Are there side effects to cholesterol medications?
Statins are generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience muscle pain, liver enzyme elevation, or digestive issues. We monitor for side effects and can adjust medications if needed.
How long does it take to see improvements in cholesterol?
With lifestyle changes, you may see improvements in 6-12 weeks. Medications typically show effects within 4-6 weeks. We'll recheck your levels after starting treatment to assess progress.
Protect Your Heart Health Today
Get comprehensive cholesterol management and take control of your cardiovascular health in Las Vegas.