Patient Education
High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Thoughtful, lab-guided cholesterol care designed to protect your heart for years to come.
High cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, means you have too much LDL ("bad") cholesterol or other lipids in your blood, which can quietly build up in your arteries over time. Because it rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, regular cholesterol testing is the most reliable way to catch it early and protect your long-term heart health as part of broader cardiovascular disease prevention.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
- No noticeable symptoms in most people, which is why screening matters
- Chest discomfort or shortness of breath if arteries become narrowed
- Pain or cramping in the legs while walking (reduced circulation)
- Yellowish deposits around the eyelids or under the skin (xanthomas)
- A grayish ring around the cornea, sometimes seen at a younger age
Causes & Risk Factors
- A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and processed foods
- Limited physical activity and excess body weight
- Family history or inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Smoking, which lowers protective HDL cholesterol
- Related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, or high blood pressure
- Increasing age and certain medications
How Dr. Golian Manages High Cholesterol
Dr. Golian begins with a comprehensive lipid panel and a careful review of your personal and family history to understand your overall cardiovascular risk. Together you'll set clear targets, and she'll often start with a tailored diet and exercise plan before deciding whether medication is appropriate.
When treatment is needed, she'll discuss statin and lipid-lowering therapy in plain language, monitor your numbers over time, and coordinate care for related conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. For patients who need specialized lipid or cardiology input, she arranges seamless referrals.
Living Well & Prevention
Small, sustainable changes make a real difference: a heart-conscious diet, regular movement, and not smoking can meaningfully improve your cholesterol over time.
As your Los Angeles primary care physician, Dr. Golian partners with you for the long term, keeping your personalized care plan on track with steady follow-up and lab monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
1How do I know if I have high cholesterol?
2Do I really need to take a statin?
3How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
4Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
5Is high cholesterol related to my other health conditions?
Explore
Related Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Proactive heart disease prevention through risk factor management, lab screening, and lifestyle counseling at our LA direct primary care practice.
Learn moreHypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Expert management of high blood pressure through lifestyle guidance and medication, reducing risk of heart disease and stroke in Los Angeles.
Learn moreAcute Upper Respiratory Infections
Prompt evaluation and treatment for colds, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections at our direct primary care practice in LA.
Learn moreAnemia
Comprehensive anemia workup and treatment including iron supplementation and specialist coordination for LA patients.
Learn more
Take Control of Your High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Let's review your numbers together and build a heart-protective plan that fits your life.
Schedule a Consultation