High Cholesterol Treatment & Heart Health | NMC Dallas, TX

High cholesterol often develops quietly, without obvious symptoms, yet it can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. At Neighborhood Medical Center (NMC) in Dallas, Texas, Dr. McElya and our team focus on early detection and management to help patients protect their cardiovascular health.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in all cells of the body, essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid digestion. While some cholesterol is necessary, high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. Over time, this narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Conversely, HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Maintaining a healthy balance between LDL and HDL is essential for overall cardiovascular well-being, and Dr. MeElya at NMC offers comprehensive testing and monitoring to track these levels effectively.

Understanding Cholesterol Risk Factors

While genetics can play a role in cholesterol levels, there are several factors that increase the likelihood of developing high cholesterol. Age, gender, and family history are significant contributors, but lifestyle and health conditions can also have a major impact.

• Diet and nutrition: Diets high in saturated and trans fats, processed foods, and sugary beverages can raise LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to lower HDL cholesterol and higher LDL cholesterol.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can negatively affect cholesterol levels.
• Stress and sleep patterns: Chronic stress and poor sleep habits can indirectly affect cholesterol by influencing weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic processes.

Understanding these risk factors allows patients and clinicians to create proactive plans. Dr. McElya helps identify which factors may be influencing each patient’s cholesterol and develop strategies to address them.

Who Should Monitor Their Cholesterol

Since high cholesterol usually doesn’t produce symptoms, regular blood tests are critical. Adults over 20 should check cholesterol at least every four to six years. People with risk factors such as family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity may need more frequent testing.

Dr. McElya and the Neighborhood Medical team provide individualized care plans based on cholesterol results, helping patients understand their numbers and take proactive steps toward heart health.

Lifestyle Strategies to Manage Cholesterol

For many adults, lifestyle adjustments are a key part of controlling cholesterol levels. Effective strategies include:

• Heart-healthy diet: Focus on fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Include healthy fats from sources such as olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats.

• Regular physical activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week—such as walking, cycling, or swimming—can help raise HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides.

• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight supports overall cardiovascular health and improves cholesterol balance.

• Avoid tobacco: Smoking reduces HDL cholesterol and damages blood vessels, compounding the risks associated with high cholesterol.

The team at NMC help patients create realistic, sustainable plans to incorporate these habits into daily life.

Supporting Cholesterol with Comprehensive Care

For some adults, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough to maintain optimal cholesterol levels. In these cases, Dr. McElya offers a range of approaches, including prescription options, as part of a broader plan to support heart health. The care team works with patients to create personalized strategies that take individual health factors into account.

By combining regular cholesterol monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and professional support when appropriate, patients at NMC can take proactive steps toward protecting their cardiovascular system. The focus is on early identification and ongoing care to promote long-term heart wellness.

Tracking Progress and Staying Accountable

Monitoring cholesterol isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust plans as needed are essential. Keeping a record of cholesterol numbers, weight, blood pressure, and lifestyle changes helps patients see improvements and stay motivated.

Technology can also play a role: digital tracking apps, wearable devices, and online patient portals make it easier to monitor habits and receive reminders for follow-up appointments. With support from Dr. McElya and the NMC team, patients can stay accountable and make measurable progress toward healthier cholesterol levels.

The Importance of Early Action

Early management of high cholesterol is crucial. Although it often produces no symptoms, prolonged high cholesterol can silently damage arteries and lead to heart complications. By addressing cholesterol levels early, adults can significantly reduce long-term health risks.

Neighborhood Medical Center provides comprehensive care for adults in Dallas, Texas, combining advanced testing, personalized treatment plans, and guidance from experienced clinicians, including Dr. McElya, to help patients maintain healthy hearts.

Schedule Your Cholesterol Check

If it has been a while since your last cholesterol screening, or if you are concerned about your heart health, schedule an appointment at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Patients receive thorough assessments, guidance on lifestyle adjustments, and recommendations for any necessary interventions.

Proactive cholesterol management is a step toward long-term heart health. Trust Neighborhood Medical Center and Dr. McElya’s expertise to provide comprehensive care and guidance every step of the way.