Question 1

What is Hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood. It is caused by genetic factors, dietary intake of saturated fats and trans fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism. The Lipid Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk.

Question 2

What causes hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercholesterolemia is caused by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited genetic disorder that prevents the body from removing LDL cholesterol effectively from the blood. Lifestyle factors like consuming foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, being physically inactive, smoking, and carrying excess weight significantly contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. Medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome can also raise cholesterol levels by affecting how your body processes lipids.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

The Lipid Panel is the most important test for hypercholesterolemia because it directly measures the four key components that determine your cardiovascular risk: total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. This test provides the essential baseline information needed to diagnose high cholesterol and guide treatment decisions. For a more comprehensive assessment, the Lipid Panel with Ratios calculates critical ratios like total cholesterol to HDL ratio and triglyceride to HDL ratio, which offer deeper insights into your heart disease risk. If you need the most detailed analysis, the Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel measures not just cholesterol levels but also the size and density of lipid particles, providing advanced cardiovascular risk stratification that helps identify hidden risk factors even when standard cholesterol numbers appear normal.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, are overweight or obese, have diabetes or prediabetes, or live a sedentary lifestyle with a diet high in saturated fats. Adults should begin cholesterol screening by age 20 and retest every 4-6 years if results are normal, or more frequently if levels are elevated or you have other cardiovascular risk factors. You should also get tested if you experience symptoms of cardiovascular disease like chest pain or if you take medications that can raise cholesterol levels. Early detection through blood testing allows you to take action before cholesterol buildup causes serious complications like heart attack or stroke.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercholesterolemia typically has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is often called a silent condition. Most people with high cholesterol feel completely normal and only discover the problem through routine blood testing. In severe cases, particularly with familial hypercholesterolemia, you might notice yellowish deposits of cholesterol under the skin called xanthomas, especially around the eyes, hands, or Achilles tendons. Some people develop a white or gray ring around the cornea of the eye called corneal arcus. Symptoms only appear when high cholesterol leads to complications like chest pain from coronary artery disease, stroke symptoms, or peripheral artery disease causing leg pain while walking.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of high cholesterol or premature heart disease are at increased risk, especially those with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited genetic condition. Your risk increases with age, as cholesterol levels naturally rise in men after age 45 and women after age 55 or menopause. Lifestyle factors significantly impact risk, including eating a diet high in saturated fats and trans fats, being physically inactive, smoking, and carrying excess weight around your abdomen. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome face higher risk due to how these conditions affect lipid metabolism. Certain ethnicities, including South Asians and people of African descent, also have higher rates of cholesterol problems.

Question 7

What happens if hypercholesterolemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypercholesterolemia leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where cholesterol and other substances build up as plaque inside your artery walls, narrowing and hardening the blood vessels over time. This plaque buildup restricts blood flow to vital organs and increases your risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events. You face significantly higher risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack when narrowed arteries cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. Stroke becomes more likely when plaque blocks arteries supplying blood to your brain or when plaque ruptures and forms blood clots. Peripheral artery disease can develop in your legs, causing pain, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, tissue death requiring amputation. Untreated high cholesterol can also lead to chest pain (angina), carotid artery disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Question 8

Can hypercholesterolemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Hypercholesterolemia is definitively diagnosed through blood tests that measure cholesterol and lipid levels in your bloodstream. The standard lipid panel requires a simple blood draw and provides measurements of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, which your healthcare provider uses to assess your cardiovascular risk. The test is typically performed after fasting for 9-12 hours to ensure accurate triglyceride measurements, though some newer tests can be done without fasting. Results are usually available within a few days and show whether your cholesterol levels fall within normal ranges or indicate hypercholesterolemia requiring treatment. More advanced lipid testing can measure additional markers like apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and LDL particle size to provide even more detailed risk assessment.

Question 9

How is hypercholesterolemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Hypercholesterolemia treatment begins with lifestyle modifications including adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and trans fats, increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, doctors prescribe medications like statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), which are the most effective drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol by blocking cholesterol production in the liver. Other medication options include ezetimibe (which reduces cholesterol absorption), PCSK9 inhibitors (injectable drugs for severe cases or statin-intolerant patients), bile acid sequestrants, fibrates (for high triglycerides), and niacin. People with familial hypercholesterolemia may require more aggressive treatment with combination medications or even LDL apheresis, a procedure that filters cholesterol from the blood. Regular blood testing monitors treatment effectiveness and guides medication adjustments.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

Prevent hypercholesterolemia by maintaining a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods high in soluble fiber like oats, beans, and apples, while limiting saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy products and avoiding trans fats found in processed foods. Engage in regular physical activity with at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, which helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise, as excess body weight contributes to higher cholesterol levels. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels, as both can negatively impact your cholesterol profile. Get regular cholesterol screening starting in your 20s to catch any problems early, and manage underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can worsen cholesterol levels.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hypercholesterolemia?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches can support cholesterol management alongside medical treatment. Soluble fiber supplements like psyllium husk or foods rich in beta-glucan such as oats and barley help reduce cholesterol absorption in your intestines. Plant sterols and stanols, found in fortified foods and supplements, block cholesterol absorption and can lower LDL cholesterol by 5-15 percent when consumed regularly. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines or from fish oil supplements help lower triglycerides and may improve HDL cholesterol. Foods containing natural compounds like garlic, green tea, and red yeast rice have shown modest cholesterol-lowering effects in some studies. Regular consumption of nuts, particularly almonds and walnuts, provides healthy fats that support better cholesterol profiles. However, while these natural remedies can complement treatment, they should not replace prescribed medications or medical supervision, and you should always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions with medications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

High Cholesterol Blood Test

What is Hypercholesterolemia?

What causes hypercholesterolemia?

What is the best test for hypercholesterolemia?

When should I get tested for hypercholesterolemia?

References

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