High Cholesterol Specialist

SWICFT Cardiology

Cardiology located in Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, & Marco Island, FL

High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. SWICFT Cardiology serves Southwest Florida with cholesterol testing, cardiovascular risk assessment, and personalized treatment. Call the office to discuss your results and a prevention plan.

239-261-2000

High Cholesterol Q & A

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance carried in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol, but high levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in artery walls. Elevated blood cholesterol and plaque are related, but they are not the same thing.

A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Non-HDL cholesterol represents the cholesterol carried in particles that can promote plaque. Your clinician interprets the results together with your overall cardiovascular risk.

What causes high cholesterol?

Genetics, eating patterns, and certain medical conditions or medicines can affect cholesterol levels. Some people have an inherited condition, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, that causes very high LDL cholesterol even with healthy habits. Tell your clinician if close relatives have very high cholesterol or developed heart disease at a young age.

How do I know whether I need treatment?

High cholesterol typically has no symptoms, so blood testing is important. Your cardiologist considers your lipid levels, family history, blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, kidney health, and whether you already have cardiovascular disease.

The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline emphasizes individualized risk assessment and LDL and non-HDL cholesterol goals. For appropriate adults without known cardiovascular disease, the PREVENT risk calculator may help guide treatment decisions. Lp(a), an inherited risk marker, should be measured at least once in adulthood. Selective apoB testing or a coronary calcium scan may help clarify risk when the result could change care.

How is high cholesterol treated?

Heart-healthy eating, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight support treatment. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and other sources of fiber, and replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats where practical.

Medication may be recommended alongside lifestyle changes based on your risk, rather than waiting for lifestyle changes to fail. Statins are the foundation of cholesterol-lowering treatment for many patients. Additional medicines may be appropriate if your goals are not reached or a statin is not tolerated.

Your care team will discuss benefits, possible side effects, costs, and follow-up blood tests. Do not substitute supplements for prescribed treatment. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy so your medication plan can be reviewed.

What should I do next?

Bring prior cholesterol results and a current medication list to your visit. Together, you and your clinician can choose realistic goals and a plan you can follow.

To schedule an appointment, call SWICFT Cardiology at 239-261-2000.