Cholesterol is a type of molecule that your body uses for many purposes, such as building cell membranes and forming hormones. Your body converts some of the fats that you eat into cholesterol. It’s a necessary part of your body’s functioning. But too much of certain kind of “bad cholesterol,” or LDL, can contribute to atherosclerosis–a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries–and lead to heart disease. At the same time, another kind of cholesterol, HDL, helps remove cholesterol from the body, so it is known as "good cholesterol."
A high level of cholesterol, by itself, does not cause any symptoms. Since you can't tell on your own whether you have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, it’s important to have cholesterol levels checked by your doctor on a regular basis.
UR Medicine Cardiac Care offers the area's only Lipid Clinic, where we specialize in treating patients with high cholesterol and high triglycerides. Our doctors specialize in providing the most advanced treatments for high cholesterol, backed by the latest research from the area's only academic medical center. We also offer nutritionists who craft personalized diets to help decrease cholesterol levels.
If you are concerned about high cholesterol or high triglycerides, call our Lipid Clinic at (585) 341-7700.
About the Lipid Clinic at UR Medicine Cardiac Care
Your body needs cholesterol to build cell membranes and make hormones. But too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Managing cholesterol and other lipids isn’t simple. Fortunately, the Lipid Clinic at UR Medicine Cardiac Care provides cutting-edge services that can help you understand and control your cholesterol levels effectively.