Cholesterol Specialist
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Kishwar Shareef MD, PC
Internist located in Randolph, NJ
About 71 million American adults live with the “bad” form of cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). If you’re worried about high cholesterol, board-certified internist Kishwar Shareef, MD, PC, in Randolph, New Jersey, offers a screening test to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood and provides appropriate treatment if you have the condition. Get the care you need today by calling or booking a consultation online.
Cholesterol Q & A
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s not necessarily bad, but in excessive amounts can lead to serious health problems. Cholesterol comes in two forms. There’s high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for your health, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which can be bad for your health.
High cholesterol can occur when you have too much LDL cholesterol. The cholesterol circulates in your bloodstream, where it gradually leaves deposits in the arteries that lead to your brain and heart.
This thick, hard build-up makes your arteries narrow and inflexible. If a blood clot gets caught in one of these stiff, narrow arteries, you could experience a stroke or heart attack.
What leads to high cholesterol?
Making unhealthy lifestyle choices may lead to high cholesterol. These behaviors include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Eating fatty foods
- Getting little or no exercise
High cholesterol also runs in families. Your family may carry a gene that causes your body to make too much cholesterol. This condition is known as familial hypercholesterolemia.
How do I know if I have high cholesterol?
You don't experience symptoms of high cholesterol unless your condition advances to a more serious stage. If you suspect the condition, see Dr. Shareef for a cholesterol test.
What is a cholesterol test?
A cholesterol test is a blood test. Dr. Shareef may tell you not to drink or eat anything before your test.
During the test, she takes a small sample of blood from your finger or arm. This process is quick and shouldn't be painful. If your results come back positive, she talks with you about your treatment options.
How is high cholesterol treated?
Dr. Shareef discusses lifestyle changes to manage your cholesterol level. She recommends getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet while cutting back on your consumption of foods like fried foods and red meat.
Dr. Shareef also talks with you about prescriptions to manage your high cholesterol. You may benefit from medications, such as statins, which help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol. Other drugs work to prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol and encourage your body to eliminate cholesterol naturally.
If you need a comprehensive treatment plan for high cholesterol, call today or schedule a consultation online with Kishwar Shareef, MD, PC.
