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HEART SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

High Cholesterol

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How is High Cholesterol Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

High cholesterol is diagnosed based on a lipid panel, a laboratory test of blood drawn from the patient by a health care professional. The panel provides measurements of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total blood cholesterol. (Patients may be asked to fast for 12 hours before getting tested to get the most accurate results.) Established guidelines indicate the risk for heart disease associated with given cholesterol levels.

Because elevated cholesterol does not produce symptoms, it’s important to be tested regularly.

How is High Cholesterol Treated?

Treatment

Individuals with elevated cholesterol are often advised to try lifestyle modifications such as exercise, quitting smoking, and following a heart-healthy diet before taking medication to control their cholesterol levels.

If these measures are not successful in lowering elevated cholesterol, one of the following medications may be prescribed:

  • Statins - Drugs that slow LDL production in the liver
  • Ezetimibe - Limits the amount of dietary cholesterol absorbed by the small intestine and released into the bloodstream
  • PSCK9 inhibitors – These medications increase the amount of LDL absorbed by the liver, thereby reducing the amount circulating in the bloodstream. They are injectable and primarily given to people who cannot tolerate statin therapy.
  • Bempedoic acid - A drug that slows LDL production, similar to the statins
  • Bile-acid-binding resins - Increase bile acid production in the liver. Since cholesterol is used to produce bile acids (used in digestion), less cholesterol is released into the body.

Additional medications for high cholesterol may be prescribed to reduce high triglyceride levels. Patients who take cholesterol-lowering medications should be sure to follow dietary and lifestyle guidelines as recommended.

FAQs

FAQs

Dietary guidelines for reducing high cholesterol generally focus on limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats that can cause raise cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol is usually genetic. However, dietary and lifestyle changes can help delay or prevent the condition. A specific genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of heart disease at an earlier age, but this occurs in only about one in 250 people.

Yes. Reducing total cholesterol by 10% makes it possible to reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 30%. Lowering your LDL levels and raising your HDL levels will also reduce your heart attack and stroke risk.

Because high cholesterol does not produce specific symptoms, it’s essential to get tested regularly. Whether or not you have any history of cardiovascular disease, if your lab results show cholesterol levels that fall into the borderline high or high-risk categories, be sure to seek additional guidance from your physician.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for High Cholesterol Management

If you’re looking for high cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk care, schedule an appointment at one of NewYork-Presbyterian’s multiple locations throughout New York City, Westchester, or the Hudson Valley. One of our highly experienced cardiologists will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your high cholesterol and review all of your treatment options.