Understanding Cholesterol: The Basics

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that plays a crucial role in your body’s cell structure and hormone production. However, too much cholesterol—especially the “bad” kind—can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing your risk for heart disease.

Good Cholesterol vs Bad Cholesterol:

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “Bad cholesterol.” High levels contribute to arterial plaque.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “Good cholesterol.” Helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Triglycerides – A type of fat that can also raise heart disease risk when elevated.

“I always explain cholesterol in simple terms: LDL builds plaque, HDL helps clean it up. The key is achieving balance—and not just looking at one number in isolation.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

Case Studies from Practice

(Anonymized)

• A 52-year-old man with an LDL of 215 and borderline blood pressure. We started atorvastatin 40 mg, and after 3 months his LDL dropped to 85. He experienced mild muscle aches, so we switched to rosuvastatin 10 mg—no more side effects.
• A 38-year-old woman wanted natural cholesterol control. We implemented a plant-forward diet, daily walks, and red yeast rice. After 6 months, her LDL dropped from 145 to 110—no medication needed.
• A 65-year-old with known coronary artery disease and statin intolerance was referred to cardiology for PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, reducing LDL from 190 to 60 mg/dL.

First-Line, Second-Line, and Alternative Treatments

Sources:

• ACC/AHA 2022 Guidelines on Cholesterol Management
• JAMA Cardiology (2023) meta-analysis on PCSK9 inhibitors
• Circulation (2022): Lifestyle interventions for lipid reduction

Common Misconceptions About Cholesterol

❌ “If I feel fine, high cholesterol isn’t a problem.”
✔️ High cholesterol is asymptomatic—until it causes heart attacks or strokes.

❌ “I can just take a supplement instead of a statin.”
✔️ Some supplements help modestly, but none match statins’ effectiveness in high-risk patients.

❌ “Statins always cause muscle pain.”
✔ ️ Statin intolerance occurs in 5–10% of patients and can often be managed by adjusting the medication—not stopping treatment altogether.

When to Seek Second Opinions or Specialist Care

We refer to cardiologists or lipidologists when:

• LDL remains >190 despite multiple treatments
• Statin intolerance persists
• Genetic lipid disorders are suspected
• Early cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack under age 50)

“We manage most hyperlipidemia cases in primary care—but we know when to escalate care for more advanced testing or therapies.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD

Local Relevance: Cholesterol in Lewisville & North Texas

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, risk factors like:

• High rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles
• Diets rich in fried foods and red meat
• Limited access to fresh produce in some communities

…contribute to elevated cholesterol levels across diverse populations. That’s why at Health Express Clinics, we focus not just on treatment—but also on community education and prevention.

We regularly screen cholesterol at:

• Annual wellness visits
• Sports physicals
• Diabetes and hypertension check-ups

Why Choose Health Express Clinics for Cholesterol Management?

✅ Experienced in personalized hyperlipidemia treatment
✅ Comfortable discussing statin alternatives
✅ Support for natural cholesterol-lowering plans
✅ Fast, accessible follow-up and lab monitoring
✅ Local care in Lewisville, Denton, and Carrollton

“Cholesterol management doesn’t have to be intimidating. Our role is to educate, support, and guide you toward long-term heart health.”
— Dr. Harveer Parmar, MD