High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common health concern that can significantly impact your heart health. While your body needs cholesterol to function properly, having too much can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke. At Heartistry Nutrition, founder and registered dietitian Felicia Hendricks, RD, understands the different types of cholesterol and has the expertise to recommend lifestyle changes and treatment to help manage your levels. Learn more by calling one of the two offices nearest you in Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona, or book an appointment online today.

What is high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood that’s essential for building cells and producing hormones. However, high cholesterol occurs when there’s an excess of this substance in your bloodstream, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can form plaques, narrowing the arteries and making it harder for blood to flow. Over time, this can lead to blockages, putting you at greater risk for heart attacks or strokes.

What are the different types of cholesterol?

Cholesterol is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins, and there are two primary types:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Often called "bad" cholesterol, LDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol to your arteries, where it can accumulate and form plaques. High levels of LDL increase your risk of heart disease.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL is known as “good” cholesterol. It helps carry cholesterol away from your arteries and back to your liver, where it’s broken down and removed from your body. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your blood that can contribute to artery hardening if levels are high.

How is high cholesterol treated with nutrition?

As a registered dietitian (RD), Felicia specializes in treating high cholesterol through personalized nutrition plans aimed at enhancing heart health. The process begins with understanding your dietary preferences and eating habits, providing Felicia with the insights needed to identify any nutritional gaps. This collaborative approach allows her to recommend foods that can help increase your HDL (good) cholesterol, lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, and align with your individual tastes.

Felicia typically encourages the consumption of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while advising a reduction in saturated and trans fats commonly found in processed foods and fatty meats. She may also suggest incorporating heart-healthy fats, like those from olive oil, nuts, and fish, to enrich your diet. With her guidance, you can enjoy heart-healthy recipes and alternatives that still allow you to savor your favorite meals.

In addition to nutrition, Felicia offers support for weight management, physical activity, and lifestyle changes, providing practical strategies tailored to your preferences and health goals for effective long-term cholesterol management.

To discover how nutrition can help improve your cholesterol levels, book an appointment at Heartistry Nutrition. Use our online scheduling feature or call today to take the next step toward better heart health.