Cholesterol Specialist

Bruce P. Lawrence, MD Our Services Cholesterol

Bruce Lawrence MD Family Practice & Aesthetics

Physician & Aesthetic Services located in Oakland, CA

High cholesterol, which affects more than 95 million adults in the US over age 20, increases your risk of heart disease and serious health complications. But at the office of Bruce P. Lawrence, MD, in Oakland, California, you can get started on a high cholesterol treatment plan tailored to you, so you can restore your health and lower your risk of chronic disease. Find out more by booking a high cholesterol evaluation by calling the clinic directly to schedule.

Cholesterol Q & A

Why do I have high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance your body needs to make hormones, protect nerves, produce cellular components, and more. But too much cholesterol starts clogging up your arteries and impacting your cardiovascular health. 

If your cholesterol is high, it means that your total cholesterol is high. It could also mean that you have elevated levels of bad cholesterol, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or increased fatty components known as triglycerides. In any case, if you have high cholesterol, it could be linked to:

  • Family history of high cholesterol
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Your risk of high cholesterol also goes up if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). 

When is cholesterol considered high?

High cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms, so the only way to know if your cholesterol numbers are out of the ordinary is to come in to the office of Bruce P. Lawrence, MD, for laboratory testing. Dr. Lawrence provides expanded lab screenings to evaluate your cholesterol numbers. He may diagnose you with high cholesterol if your:

  • Total cholesterol is over 200 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides are over 150 mg/dL
  • LDL is 130 mg/DL or more

It isn’t just these harmful components that are a concern; it’s the “good” cholesterol, too. You have high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that helps stabilize your overall cholesterol and transport bad LDL cholesterol out of your body. To keep your heart healthy, Dr. Lawrence wants to see that your HDL is at 60 mg/dL or more. 

What is the treatment for high cholesterol?

Treating high cholesterol often involves a combination of medications and daily lifestyle changes. Dr. Lawrence provides detailed lifestyle coaching services to help you improve your overall health and lower your cholesterol. Your treatment plan could include:

  • Weight management planning
  • Smoking cessation
  • Dietary counseling
  • Exercise planning

Many types of cholesterol-lowering medications exist, and they all work differently. Dr. Lawrence talks with you about these medications to see which one may work best for your needs. He also schedules you for frequent follow-up visits several times per year to check your cholesterol and to help you stay motivated to stick to your recommended treatment plan. 

Before high cholesterol takes over your health, contact Bruce P. Lawrence, MD. You can schedule your exam at the office by calling today.