Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, high cholesterol levels significantly increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. When cholesterol levels are elevated, fatty deposits can build up inside blood vessels, restricting blood flow or breaking off and forming dangerous clots.
High cholesterol can be inherited, but it is most commonly caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess weight. At HEALOR® in Las Vegas, NV, double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh helps patients diagnose and manage high cholesterol through personalized care plans that may include lifestyle changes and medication.
If you are concerned about cardiovascular risk, our primary care services offer comprehensive evaluation and long-term prevention strategies.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream attached to proteins called lipoproteins. There are two main types:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to tissues and can build up along artery walls, causing narrowing and hardening.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol and transports it to the liver for elimination.
A lipid profile also measures triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglycerides further increase cardiovascular risk.
Some contributing factors are within your control—such as diet, physical activity, and weight—while others, including genetics, may affect how efficiently your body removes LDL cholesterol or how much cholesterol your liver produces.
You can explore related metabolic risks in our resource on what causes high cholesterol levels.
Diagnosing High Cholesterol
High cholesterol often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why routine testing is essential. At HEALOR®, Dr. Singh uses a blood test called a lipid panel to measure:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Patients are typically asked to fast for 9–12 hours before testing.
General cholesterol guidelines include:
- Total cholesterol: under 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: under 100 mg/dL (or under 70 mg/dL for high-risk individuals)
- HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
Regular screening through primary care in Las Vegas helps detect cholesterol problems early.
High Cholesterol Treatment Options
If high cholesterol is diagnosed, treatment usually begins with lifestyle modifications such as improved diet and increased physical activity. When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medications may be recommended based on your overall risk profile.
Treatment options at HEALOR® may include:
- Statins
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- Bile-acid-binding resins
- Fibrates or niacin
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
- Injectable cholesterol-lowering medications like plaquex
Dr. Singh tailors treatment plans to each patient’s health history and cardiovascular risk.
How to Lower High Cholesterol Naturally
Heart-healthy habits play a critical role in both lowering and preventing high cholesterol. Recommendations include:
- Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Reducing saturated and trans fats
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Managing stress
Lifestyle guidance may also be supported through integrative medicine for patients with metabolic or inflammatory contributors.
When to See a Doctor for High Cholesterol
If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol—or simply want to stay proactive about your health—routine lipid testing is essential. Early detection allows for effective management before complications occur.
To schedule cholesterol testing or a cardiovascular risk assessment, contact HEALOR® in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Raj Singh and his team are committed to helping you protect your heart and long-term health.erall health. To learn more about the side effects of high cholesterol, call our Las Vegas, NV office today.
