High cholesterol increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. The team at Passion Health Primary Care, with offices in Irving, Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, Kemp, Kaufman, Flower Mound, and Forney (Temporarily Closed), can help through effective cholesterol management.
Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooka Naik, MD, and the team provide comprehensive cholesterol testing and give you the medical support and tools you need to reduce your cholesterol levels and improve your heart health.
Book your appointment today through the online scheduler, or call the office to learn more about our personalized high cholesterol treatment options.
Your liver produces cholesterol naturally; you need a small amount for your body to function healthily. This fatty substance is also present in many foods, like meats, shellfish, and dairy.
When you have excess cholesterol in your bloodstream, it leads to serious health risks, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Your cholesterol is measured with a simple blood test or also known as lipid panel test. If you have high cholesterol, it means you have a total cholesterol number higher than 200 mg/dL.
Your total cholesterol level reading is a combination of two kinds of cholesterol levels that are analyzed in lipid test: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels lead to plaque deposits that narrow your arteries and block blood flow. This can lead to high blood pressure and complications like coronary artery disease.
HDL, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove “bad” cholesterol (LDL) from your blood.
Ideal cholesterol levels for adults 20 or older are 125-200 mg/dL, and it’s better to be in the lower part of this range.
You also want your LDL to be less than 100 mg/dL. HDL should be 40 mg/dL or higher for men, and for women, HDL should be 30 mg/dL or higher.
The Passion Health Primary Care providers encourage lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol levels. If these measures fail, they can also offer cholesterol-lowering medications.
Lifestyle changes that can help lower cholesterol levels include changing your diet and increasing your physical activity. Dietary changes involve consuming less processed foods and red meat while increasing fresh vegetables and whole grains. If you’re overweight, losing weight can help lower your cholesterol levels.
Your provider also monitors your cholesterol regularly to adjust your treatment as needed.
High cholesterol is not something to ignore. Get your levels checked and take action to reduce high levels with the help of the providers at Dr. Arani’s Passion Health Primary Care. Call today or use this website to make an appointment online. HIGH CHOLESTEROL - FAQs Cholesterol & Blood Pressure / Heart Symptoms Does high cholesterol cause high blood pressure? Does salt cause high cholesterol? Does sodium cause high cholesterol? Does high salt intake cause high cholesterol? Can high cholesterol cause shortness of breath? Can high cholesterol cause memory loss? Can anxiety cause high cholesterol? Does sugar cause high cholesterol? Does sugar contribute to high cholesterol? Does diet soda cause high cholesterol? Does ice cream give you high cholesterol? Can pre-workout supplements cause high cholesterol? Does keto diet cause high cholesterol? Does Optavia cause high cholesterol? Does shrimp have high cholesterol? Do scallops have high cholesterol? Is lobster bad for high cholesterol? Is crab good for high cholesterol? Does seafood cause high cholesterol? Is tuna good for high cholesterol? Does tuna have high cholesterol? Is chicken good for high cholesterol? Is rotisserie chicken good for high cholesterol? Is turkey bacon good for high cholesterol? Is bacon bad for high cholesterol? Are eggs high in cholesterol? Is cottage cheese good for high cholesterol? Is cottage cheese bad for high cholesterol? Can you eat cottage cheese with high cholesterol? Is cheese bad for high cholesterol? Is feta cheese good for high cholesterol? Can yogurt cause high cholesterol? What is the best milk for high cholesterol? Is mayonnaise good for high cholesterol? Is ghee better than butter for high cholesterol? Is peanut butter good for high cholesterol? Are cashews bad for high cholesterol? Are black beans good for high cholesterol? Are mushrooms good for high cholesterol? Are cherries good for high cholesterol? Is pineapple good for high cholesterol? Is lemon good for high cholesterol? Is applesauce good for high cholesterol? Is sweet potato good for high cholesterol? Are radishes good for high cholesterol? Can you eat bread with high cholesterol? Is white rice good for high cholesterol? Is pasta okay for high cholesterol? Is coffee bad for high cholesterol? Does coffee give you high cholesterol? Can you drink coffee with high cholesterol? What tea is good for high cholesterol? What teas help with high cholesterol? Is beet juice good for high cholesterol? Is red wine good for high cholesterol? Is wine good for high cholesterol? Is wine bad for high cholesterol? Is V8 good for high cholesterol? What vitamin is good for high cholesterol? What vitamin helps with high cholesterol? Does Metamucil help with high cholesterol? What herb is good for high cholesterol? Does whey protein cause high cholesterol? Can Seroquel cause high cholesterol? Medical Terms & Donation Eligibility Is dyslipidemia the same as high cholesterol? Is hyperlipidemia the same as high cholesterol? Can you donate plasma with high cholesterol? Can you donate plasma if you have high cholesterol? Can you donate blood if you have high cholesterol? What is good to eat for breakfast with high cholesterol? Can you eat ice cream with high cholesterol? Medical Disclaimer – FAQ Content The information provided on this FAQ page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Content related to high cholesterol, diet, supplements, medications, and lifestyle is general in nature and may not apply to every individual. Health conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension vary based on personal medical history, genetics, and other risk factors. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, supplements, or medications. Reading this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Do not disregard or delay professional medical advice because of information found on this website. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other urgent medical concerns, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.
Not directly, but both increase heart disease risk.
No, salt affects blood pressure, not cholesterol.
No.
No, it mainly raises blood pressure.
Indirectly, if it leads to heart disease.
It may increase long-term vascular cognitive risk.
Chronic stress may indirectly raise cholesterol.Sugar, Diet & Cholesterol
Yes, excess sugar raises triglycerides.
Yes, especially by increasing triglycerides.
No direct effect, but should be limited.
Frequent intake can raise cholesterol.
Depends on ingredients.
It can increase cholesterol in some people.
Response varies by individual.Animal Proteins & Seafood
Yes, but low in saturated fat—okay in moderation.
Yes, eat in moderation.
High cholesterol—limit intake.
Okay occasionally in moderation.
Most seafood is heart-healthy if not fried.
Yes, low saturated fat and heart-healthy.
Some cholesterol, very little saturated fat.
Yes, skinless lean chicken is healthy.
Yes, remove the skin.
Better than pork bacon, still limit.
Yes, high in saturated fat.
Yes, but moderate intake is usually safe.Dairy Products
Low-fat or fat-free is best.
Full-fat versions may increase cholesterol.
Yes, choose low-fat options.
Full-fat cheese can raise cholesterol.
Limit due to saturated fat.
Full-fat yogurt may increase cholesterol.
Skim, almond, or soy milk.
Use sparingly; olive-oil versions are better.
Both are high in saturated fat.Plant Foods, Grains & Nuts
Natural versions in moderation are heart-healthy.
No, healthy in moderation.
Yes, they help lower LDL.
Yes, very heart-friendly.
Yes, high in antioxidants.
Yes, in a balanced diet.
Yes, supports heart health.
Unsweetened is best.
Yes, high fiber and nutrients.
Yes, low-calorie and heart-friendly.
Yes, especially whole-grain bread.
Okay in moderation; whole grains are better.
Whole-grain pasta is preferred.Drinks, Tea & Alcohol
Filtered coffee is safe.
Unfiltered coffee may raise levels.
Yes, especially filtered coffee.
Green and black tea.
Green, black, and herbal teas.
Yes, supports heart health.
Small amounts may help.
Moderate intake only.
Excess alcohol worsens cholesterol.
Low-sodium versions are better.Supplements, Vitamins & Medications
Fiber, omega-3s, plant sterols.
Fiber and omega-3 supplements.
Yes, soluble fiber lowers LDL.
Garlic and turmeric may help.
Usually no, unless added fats/sugars.
Yes, in some individuals.
It means abnormal lipid levels.
Yes, medical term for high blood lipids.
Yes, if otherwise eligible.
Yes.
Yes, cholesterol does not affect eligibility. Breakfast & Meal Planning
Oatmeal, fruit, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
Occasional small portions are acceptable.
