You likely don't think about your cholesterol until a doctor mentions it, yet these numbers are some of the most telling markers of your long-term heart health.
Under the leadership of Mark R. Rosenberg, DO, the team at Macomb Medical Clinic, P.C., in Sterling Heights, MI, prioritizes preventive care, especially for your heart health.
Here’s what they want you to know about keeping your cholesterol in check.
There are two types of cholesterol:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the "bad" cholesterol because this waxy substance carries particles throughout your body, often leaving deposits that can stick to your artery walls. Too much LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol because it acts like a scavenger. It removes excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and returns it to your liver for breakdown and removal. We want to see your LDL stay low to prevent blockages and your HDL stay high to keep your arteries clear.
Because high LDL and low HDL don’t cause outward symptoms, regular blood tests are the only way to know where you stand.
The frequency of your tests depends largely on your age and your overall health profile. Most healthy adults should have a lipid panel as part of their annual physical, so we can catch small upward trends in their numbers before they reach a high-risk range. A full lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, we might suggest more frequent testing.
Children and adolescents also need to be mindful of these numbers. We suggest that children should have their first cholesterol check between the ages of 9 and 11. Early screening is helpful because it allows us to address lifestyle habits or genetic factors as soon as possible.
Younger adults with high LDL cholesterol for long periods have a significantly higher risk of heart disease later in life. This highlights why we don't just look at a single test result. We look at your levels over time to see how they change. If we prescribe medication to manage your levels, we will likely test your blood every few months until your numbers stabilize.
When we receive your lab results at our Sterling Heights office, we look at the whole picture rather than just one number. If your cholesterol numbers are cause for concern, we create an individualized management plan.
Lifestyle changes alone can lower LDL cholesterol by about 10% to 15%. This includes:
Regular testing gives us the data we need to make informed decisions about your care. If it has been a while since your last physical or blood draw, it's a good time to check in with us.
Call our office in Sterling Heights or use our online booking tool to request an appointment.
