Nearly all of us do yearly bloodwork just to keep an eye on our overall health and wellness. It used to be that once blood was drawn, you would have to wait for your physician to call you back with the results. With the implementation of patient portals, patients often get back their results from the labs before their doctor even has a chance to review the findings.
This is both helpful and problematic. Patients often see a level that isn’t dead smack in the center of the acceptable range or even slightly out of range, and panic sets in. This can be particularly true when it comes to cholesterol readings.
About Cholesterol
The media has bombarded us with the importance of statin drugs and keeping your cholesterol in check. So, what does it mean if your numbers don’t fall in the range the labs suggest?
At Internal Medicine, Lipid, and Wellness of Fort Myers – Dr. Raymond Kordonowy specializes in lipidology as well as internal medicine, making IMLWP an ideal office for your needs.
The cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of certain fats in your blood. Cholesterol is a fat-like waxy substance that’s found in your blood cellularly within the body. You need to have cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy, this includes the brain and heart.
Where does cholesterol come from?
Your liver makes the cholesterol your body needs. However, you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, including meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. High-fat dairy can cause your liver to produce more cholesterol.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) aka Bad cholesterol and HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) aka good cholesterol.
Too much LDL in your blood increases your risk for heart issues. Elevated LDL levels can cause the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in your arteries. Over time, plaque can narrow or even totally block arteries.
Blocked arteries can cause:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Peripheral Artery Disease
It is for these reasons that it’s important to monitor and test. Here are the ranges you want to be in:
| Total Cholesterol Level | Category |
| Less than 200mg/dL | Desirable |
| 200-239 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 240mg/dL and above | High |
If your lipids are coming back elevated and you want to work with a doctor who truly understands cholesterol and who can help you lower those levels and elevate your state of health, IMLWP of Fort Myers is a cash-pay concierge-based medical office. Dr. Kordonwy can help you understand your numbers, your risk factors, and your lifestyle influences and get them under control so that you can live a long, healthy, and happy life.
If you are ready for doctors who make a true difference, you are ready for Internal Medicine, Lipid, and wellness of Fort Myers. For more information or to book an initial appointment please call our office at (239) 362-3005 Ext 200. www.IMLWP.com to learn more.
