It's a bit disconcerting to see your cholesterol levels in your blood test results. Since high cholesterol doesn't usually cause any symptoms, most of us only find out about it after a routine medical checkup. But don't worry. The most important thing is to manage it properly. There is a team of doctors and health professionals who can help you manage this condition. Let's take a look at who can help you on this journey and what they do.
The first and most important step: Your family doctor (Primary Care Doctor)
The first and most important person you will meet on your cholesterol journey is your family doctor. Your cholesterol level is usually determined through a blood test (Lipid Profile) performed during an annual medical checkup.
The doctor will talk to you about these things:
- Lifestyle changes: Educates you on things like how to adopt a healthy diet and exercise daily.
- Medications: Sometimes lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. In such cases, your doctor may decide to start you on medication to lower your cholesterol.
- Referral to specialists: Depending on your condition, your family doctor will refer you to other specialists to look into this in more depth.
Therefore, it is very important to maintain regular contact with your family doctor, get regular checkups, and make sure your treatment plan is working properly.
Who is this lipidologist?
This name may be a bit new to you. Simply put, a lipidologist is a doctor who specializes in things like lipids (fats) in the blood, such as cholesterol.
In most cases, if your cholesterol levels are very high, have a genetic cause, or are not responding well to standard treatments, your family doctor may refer you to a lipidologist. He or she will study your condition in depth and help you develop a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
To help you create a diet: a dietitian
There is a strong link between weight gain and high cholesterol. Therefore, changing your eating habits is essential for controlling cholesterol. Just think, losing just 5 to 10 kilograms can significantly reduce your "bad cholesterol" (LDL) levels.
This is when the help of a dietitian becomes important.
- They will create a personalized nutrition plan that suits your health condition and lifestyle.
- It guides you on which foods are high in fiber and low in fat, how much to eat, and how to control starchy foods (such as bread, rice, and noodles).
- They will provide you with the encouragement and support you need as you adjust to these new eating habits.
Is it a hormonal problem? Then see an endocrinologist.
Some people's high cholesterol levels are caused by problems with the body's hormonal system. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in hormone-related diseases .
The following conditions can cause high cholesterol:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Cushing's Syndrome
If you have this condition, an endocrinologist will treat the hormonal problem. When the underlying cause is treated, your cholesterol levels will naturally start to come under control.
Look into the heart: Help from a cardiologist
The most dangerous thing that can happen when "bad cholesterol" (LDL) levels are high for a long time is that these fatty particles can build up inside the blood vessels (arteries). We call this layer of fat 'plaque' . Over time, this layer of plaque causes the blood vessels to narrow, obstructing blood flow.
This condition is medically known as atherosclerosis . It is the main cause of heart attacks.
If your family doctor suspects you have this risk, he or she will refer you to a cardiologist . The cardiologist will perform the necessary tests (such as an ECG, Echo, etc.), check for any blockages in your blood vessels, and work with the rest of your treatment team to develop the best treatment plan. In some severe cases, heart surgery may be necessary.
Important questions to ask your doctor
It's important to manage high cholesterol before it becomes a serious health problem. Here are some questions to ask your doctor if you find out that your cholesterol levels are high. Don't be afraid to ask them.
| Question to ask | Why is this question important? |
|---|---|
| What is causing my cholesterol level to increase? | This helps to understand whether it is due to diet, hereditary factors, or another medical condition. |
| What changes should I make to my diet? | To learn practical steps that can be incorporated into daily life. |
| How can I exercise safely? | To know how to engage in physical activity safely if you have other health problems. |
| Do I need to take medication? If so, what are they, and what will happen? | To gain a clear understanding of your treatment regimen and its side effects (if any). |
| How often should I have my cholesterol levels checked again? | To monitor the progress of treatments and make changes if necessary. |
| Do I need to see other specialists? | To understand the complete care plan and what the next steps are. |
Take-Home Message
- High cholesterol is a 'silent' condition. Therefore, it is very important to get regular medical checkups without waiting for symptoms to appear.
- The first and most important stop on your treatment journey is your family doctor. Talk openly with him.
- Depending on your situation, you may need to seek the help of specialists such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or dietitian.
- Never be afraid to ask questions about your condition and treatment. Understanding your condition is the first step to managing it.
- Like medication, a good diet and regular exercise are two essential components of cholesterol control.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What kind of doctor exactly is an Endocrinologist?
An 'Endocrinologist' is a doctor who specializes in the body's 'hormones and endocrine glands'. This means that this is the main specialist who treats things like diabetes, thyroid issues, and cholesterol/lipid disorders.
💬 When should someone taking regular cholesterol/diabetes medication see an Endocrinologist?
An MBBS/Family Doctor can manage normal cholesterol levels or diabetes. However, if your sugar/cholesterol levels are not controlled despite taking medication (Uncontrolled Diabetes/Hyperlipidemia), or if you have a thyroid problem or glandular cancer, you definitely need the advice of an Endocrinologist to balance your hormone levels!
💬 What other 'more serious' hormonal diseases can an endocrinologist treat?
In addition to diabetes, they manage extremely complex diseases. For example: 1) PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which causes women to lose their children, 2) hormonal problems caused by tumors in the pituitary gland (brain), 3) osteoporosis (early bone loss), and 4) dangerous hormone-dependent cancers (Thyroid Cancer / Adrenal Cancers) can be successfully treated through these specialist doctors.
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