Dyslipidemia

An estimated 93 million Americans over the age of 20 have dyslipidemia and are at risk for heart attack and other heart-related complications. At Pediatric Healthy Hearts, diagnostic blood tests are available in-office to diagnose dyslipidemia in the earliest stage. Nida Yousef, MD, designs a treatment plan using medications and lifestyle strategies to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve blood flow to your heart. Call the Evergreen Park, Illinois, office today to schedule a consultation for dyslipidemia symptoms or book an appointment online.

What is dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia, also known as high cholesterol, is a condition that develops when you have elevated levels of fat (lipids) in your blood.

There are three types of lipids:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL is considered good cholesterol because it moves through your bloodstream and collects excess cholesterol so your body can eliminate it as waste.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

LDL is thought of as bad cholesterol because it can group together and form hardened plaque that attaches to the walls of your arteries. A buildup of plaque can narrow the arteries and affect healthy blood flow.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides originate from the calories in the foods you eat. Your body doesn’t burn them right away, so it stores triglycerides in your fat cells to be released as energy when needed.

Pediatric Healthy Hearts provides ongoing management services for adults and kids with dyslipidemia. The cardiologists focus on lowering your LDL cholesterol and preserving your heart’s overall health.

When should I schedule a diagnostic evaluation for dyslipidemia?

Many people have dyslipidemia for years without recognizing it because the condition doesn’t cause symptoms. When you have high LDL cholesterol levels, your risk for heart attack and stroke increases.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Pediatric Healthy Hearts for dyslipidemia if you or your child has a family history of high cholesterol, follows a high-fat, unhealthy diet, or is obese. Cigarette smoking and alcohol use can also contribute to dyslipidemia.

The cardiologists offer in-office blood tests to assess your cholesterol levels. They can also screen for other heart-related conditions that can result from unmanaged dyslipidemia.

How is dyslipidemia treated?

Pediatric Healthy Hearts offers customized care plans to lower your LDL cholesterol levels to prevent heart attack and stroke.

The cardiologists can prescribe medications like statins that work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver produces.

You also need to make lifestyle and diet changes that can lower your cholesterol levels naturally. These changes may include:

• Limiting refined sugar
• Avoiding saturated and trans fats
• Eating more fresh produce and lean proteins
• Getting regular exercise
• Quitting smoking

If you or your child is overweight, you may be a candidate for the weight loss program available at Pediatric Healthy Hearts. The cardiologists offer medically supervised weight loss support so the entire family can experience good heart health and prevent dyslipidemia complications.

Call Pediatric Healthy Hearts today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for dyslipidemia or book an appointment online.