High cholesterol is one of the most modifiable cardiovascular risk factors — and one of the easiest to test for. Our primary care team provides full lipid panels, personalized risk scoring, and the right treatment plan for your goals.
Schedule Your TestCholesterol is essential for life — but too much of the wrong type damages arteries silently for years before causing heart attack or stroke. Knowing your numbers and acting on them is one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term health.
According to the CDC, nearly 86 million U.S. adults have total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL — and many don't know it because there are no symptoms. A simple blood test gives us all the data we need.
Our bilingual primary care team helps you interpret your numbers, calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk, and create a personalized lipid management plan — diet, exercise, and medication when appropriate.
🎬 Video Coming Soon: Dr. Teresa Moreno explains your lipid panel.
Goal: under 200 mg/dL. Sum of LDL + HDL + 20% of triglycerides — useful but less important than the breakdown below.
Goal: under 100 mg/dL (under 70 for high-risk). The most important number — directly drives plaque buildup in arteries.
Goal: above 40 (men) or 50 (women). Higher is protective. Boosted by exercise, healthy fats, and not smoking.
Goal: under 150 mg/dL. Affected by sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs. Very high levels (500+) need urgent treatment.
Goal: under 130 mg/dL. Captures all atherogenic cholesterol; often more useful than LDL alone.
Advanced marker of cardiovascular risk. We order in patients with discordant lipids or strong family history.
Standard fasting or non-fasting lipid panel through our in-office lab services. Advanced lipid testing for high-risk patients.
We use the validated ASCVD risk calculator to estimate your 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke. This determines whether lifestyle changes alone are sufficient or if statin therapy is appropriate.
Mediterranean diet, reduced saturated fat, increased fiber and omega-3s, regular aerobic exercise, weight loss when needed, and smoking cessation can lower LDL by 20–30%.
Statins (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin) remain first-line for most patients. We also offer ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors for very high-risk patients, and fibrates or omega-3 prescriptions for severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Repeat testing 3 months after starting or changing therapy, then every 6–12 months. Coordinated with management of blood pressure and diabetes.
Total under 200, LDL under 100 (under 70 for high-risk), HDL above 40 (men) / 50 (women), triglycerides under 150.
Every 4–6 years for healthy adults 20+. Annually for those with high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension. Every 3 months when adjusting medication.
Often not necessary for routine screening. Fasting (9–12 hours) is still recommended for close triglyceride monitoring or before starting medication.
Many patients can lower LDL 20–30% through diet, exercise, and weight loss alone. Statins are added when needed based on cardiovascular risk.
Yes — decades of data confirm strong cardiovascular benefit and a low side-effect profile. Muscle aches occur in 5–10% and usually resolve with switching products.
