Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. While your body needs it to build healthy cells, too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can build up in the walls of your arteries, increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Many people don’t know they have high cholesterol until it’s discovered through routine blood work. That’s why partnering with a trusted internist is crucial.
How Your Internist Can Help Manage Cholesterol
At RescueMD, our internal medicine team in Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Plano provides comprehensive care to:
- Check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test
- Identify lifestyle or genetic risk factors
- Develop personalized diet and exercise plans
- Prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications if needed
- Monitor progress with regular follow-up visits
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Lifestyle Tips to Lower Your Cholesterol
1. Eat More Heart-Healthy Foods
Focus on oats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish. Cut back on saturated and trans fats found in fried and processed foods.
2. Exercise Regularly
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can improve your cholesterol levels.
4. Quit Smoking
Stopping smoking improves your HDL (“good”) cholesterol and benefits your heart health almost immediately.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
Too much alcohol can increase your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Who Should Get Their Cholesterol Checked?
- Adults aged 20+ every 4–6 years
- Adults over 40 annually or as advised
- Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease
Managing Cholesterol Is a Team Effort
At RescueMD, we work closely with you to reduce your cardiovascular risk through personalized care plans. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or struggling to control your numbers, our providers in Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Plano are ready to support you.
FAQs About High Cholesterol
Q: Can high cholesterol be controlled without medication?
A: Many people can lower cholesterol through diet and exercise, but some may still need medication.
Q: Is high cholesterol genetic?
A: It can be. That’s why family history is an important part of your risk profile.
Q: What are normal cholesterol levels?
A: Total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL, with LDL under 100 mg/dL and HDL above 40 mg/dL (for men) or 50 mg/dL (for women).
Take the First Step Toward Heart Health
Book an appointment with a RescueMD internist today at www.myrescuemd.com and get your cholesterol under control.