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Internal Medicine physician
Dr. Juan S. Pico, a renowned Internal Medicine physician at Pasteur Medical Associates in San Antonio, TX, has over 30 years of expertise and experience in treating many common medical diseases, including high cholesterol and its impact on your overall health and well-being. High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a common health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of death globally. In this article, we will delve into the impact of hyperlipidemia, while also highlighting some of the services provided by Dr. Pico.
Understanding High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance naturally found in your body. It plays a vital role in the body’s function by contributing to the production of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can be unhealthy and lead to the build up of fatty deposits within the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health complications.
Factors Contributing to High Cholesterol
Several factors can contribute to hyperlipidemia including:
1.Unhealthy diet: Consuming foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol can increase your body’s cholesterol levels.
2.Lack of exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol). Patients should avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
3.Obesity: Excess body mass index (BMI) weight can increase your risk of high cholesterol levels, as it is often linked to poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle.
4.Family history: Genetics can play a key role in familial hyperlipidemia, as some people are genetically predisposed to have markedly higher cholesterol levels.
5.Other health conditions: Certain health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and hypothyroidism, can also increase your risk of developing hyperlipidemia.
The Impact of High Cholesterol on Overall Health and Well-being
Hyperlipidemia can significantly affect your overall health and well-being in various ways:
1.Cardiovascular diseases: The build up of cholesterol in the arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the heart. This can result in reduced blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attack or stroke.
2.Peripheral artery disease (PAD): PAD occurs when cholesterol build up narrows the arteries in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow causing pain, numbness and difficulty walking. This is commonly referred to as claudication.
3.Hypertension: Hyperlipidemia can contribute to the development of high blood pressure or hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Patients should aim for optimal systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
4.Type 2 diabetes: Hyperlipidemia is often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, which are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients should avoid high blood sugar levels and regularly check their fasting blood sugars and Hemoglobin A1c.
Dr. Juan S. Pico and Pasteur Medical Associates
Pasteur Medical Associates in San Antonio, TX, offers in-house laboratory services to check blood and urine expeditiously. Ideally, a fasting blood specimen is required.
Our clinic also offers comprehensive diagnostic imaging services such as X-rays and bone density testing, to help diagnosis and manage various health conditions.
We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of experienced medical professionals, ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses.
The Importance of Regular Cholesterol Screening
Regular cholesterol screening is crucial for early detection and management of hyperlipidemia. Dr. Pico recommends that individuals aged 20 years and above have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every 5 years. More frequent testing may be necessary for individuals with a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or other risk factors.
Managing Hyperlipidemia
Dr. Pico emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing high cholesterol levels.
Here are some important tips:
1.Eat a healthy diet: Focus on consuming foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol while increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
2.Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderately intensity exercise three to five days a week to improve your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
3.Maintain a healthy weight: Work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30.
4.Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your overall health.
5.Manage stress: High-stress levels can contribute to unhealthy habits like poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Find a happy medium to cope with stress.