Preventive Cardiac Care at Tempe Primary Care
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, too much of the wrong kind — particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein) — can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
High cholesterol has no symptoms, but it’s a major risk factor for heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. That’s why it’s important to monitor and manage your levels early and regularly.
At Tempe Primary Care, we offer comprehensive cholesterol testing, personalized care plans, and ongoing support to keep your heart healthy.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Several factors can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, including:
- A diet high in saturated fats or trans fats
- Lack of physical activity
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics or family history
- Aging (cholesterol levels often rise with age)
Even if you eat well and exercise, you may still have high cholesterol due to your genetics — which is why testing is so important.
What Are the Risks of Untreated High Cholesterol?
Over time, excess LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
Managing cholesterol is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
How Is High Cholesterol Diagnosed?
High cholesterol is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a lipid panel. This test measures:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol
- HDL (good) cholesterol
- Triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood)
We recommend testing at least once every 4–6 years for healthy adults — or more often if you have risk factors.
How Does Tempe Primary Care Treat High Cholesterol?
Treatment depends on your cholesterol levels and overall health. Your plan may include:
Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling
Your provider will work with you to improve your diet (less saturated fat, more fiber), increase physical activity, and make sustainable changes.
Medication Management
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we may prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications and monitor your progress.
Regular Monitoring
We’ll check your cholesterol levels periodically and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Comprehensive Heart Health Support
We address the full picture of cardiovascular health — including blood pressure, weight management, and smoking cessation if needed.
What Are Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
Here’s a general guideline for adults:
- Total cholesterol: under 200 mg/dL
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: under 100 mg/dL
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
- Triglycerides: under 150 mg/dL
Target numbers may vary depending on your age, sex, and medical history.
Why Choose Tempe Primary Care?
- Personalized attention: We take time to understand your health goals and tailor care accordingly.
- Preventive focus: We aim to stop heart disease before it starts.
- Convenient Tempe location: Easy access for patients across the East Valley.
- Flexible scheduling & care plans: Including Direct Primary Care options for better value.
Ready to Lower Your Cholesterol and Protect Your Heart?
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol or are simply looking to stay ahead of potential issues, we’re here to help you take control.
Call Tempe Primary Care today to schedule a cholesterol screening and consultation. A few small steps today could prevent serious issues tomorrow.
