High Cholesterol Treatment in Mumbai

Who should get a cholesterol check

• Every adult, at least once, and then regularly from about age 40
• People with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or obesity
• Anyone with a parent or sibling who had a heart attack before 55 (men) or 65 (women)
• Anyone whose LDL was very high on a previous test, which can mean an inherited condition

Why see an endocrinologist for cholesterol

Cholesterol problems are often linked to hormones and metabolism. An underactive thyroid raises LDL, and correcting the thyroid can bring it down. Diabetes and insulin resistance raise triglycerides and lower HDL. Some families inherit very high LDL from birth (familial hypercholesterolaemia), and close relatives need testing too. Treating these together makes the cholesterol target easier to reach. If you already see Dr. Ghody for diabetes or a thyroid problem, your lipids are reviewed at the same visit.

How cholesterol management works

1. A fasting or non-fasting lipid profile, plus thyroid, sugar, liver and kidney tests to look for causes.
2. A heart-risk check using your age, blood pressure, sugar, smoking and family history, which sets your LDL target.
3. Diet and activity changes for everyone, and medicine when needed: statins first, then ezetimibe or newer injectable medicines if the target is not reached.
4. A repeat lipid profile 6 to 12 weeks after starting or changing treatment, then once or twice a year.

Food changes that lower cholesterol

Cut down on fried snacks, bakery items, ghee and butter, and replace them with oils such as mustard, groundnut or olive in small amounts. Eat more dal, beans, oats, vegetables, fruit and nuts, which add fibre. Losing excess weight and 150 minutes a week of brisk walking also raise HDL and lower triglycerides.