High Cholesterol Treatments

Our approach to high cholesterol management involves personalised treatment plans crafted by our experienced healthcare professionals. We consider various factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history, to tailor a plan that best suits your needs.

What is High Cholestrol?

High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a common medical condition characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for various bodily functions, including cell membrane structure and the production of hormones. However, when cholesterol levels become excessively high, it can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.

Here are some key points to understand about high cholesterol:

Types of Cholesterol: Cholesterol exists in different forms in the bloodstream, primarily as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
- LDL Cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, leading to the formation of plaque and atherosclerosis.
- HDL Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Causes of High Cholesterol:
- Diet: Consuming a diet high in saturated and trans fats, as well as dietary cholesterol, can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, known as familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles can lead to lower levels of HDL cholesterol and higher levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Obesity: Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat, can contribute to high cholesterol levels.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and can lower HDL cholesterol.
Health Risks Associated with High Cholesterol:
- Atherosclerosis: High cholesterol is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Heart Disease: Elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD) and increase the risk of heart attacks.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): High cholesterol can also lead to the narrowing of arteries in the legs and other areas, causing pain and reduced blood flow.
- Gallstones: High cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
- Pancreatitis: Extremely high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood can lead to pancreatitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The treatment of high cholesterol typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication. The specific approach to treatment depends on various factors, including your cholesterol levels, overall health, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Here are the primary components of high cholesterol treatment:

Lifestyle Modifications:
1. Dietary Changes:
  - Reduce saturated fats: Limit your intake of foods high in saturated fats, such as fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods.
  - Avoid trans fats: Eliminate or minimize trans fats, often found in processed and fried foods, from your diet.
  - Increase fiber intake: Consume more soluble fiber from sources like oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables, as it can help lower LDL cholesterol.
  - Choose healthy fats: Opt for unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, which can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
  - Consume fatty fish: Eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known to improve cholesterol profiles.
2. Weight Management:
  - Losing excess weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help improve cholesterol levels.
3. Regular Exercise:
  - Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
4. Smoking Cessation:
  - Quitting smoking is essential, as smoking damages blood vessels and reduces HDL cholesterol levels.
5. Moderate Alcohol Consumption:
  - If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake can raise triglyceride levels and contribute to high cholesterol.
Medications:
1. Statins:
  - Statin medications are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol production in the liver. They also have some anti-inflammatory and plaque-stabilizing effects on blood vessels.
  - Examples of statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.
2. Other Cholesterol-Lowering Medications:
  - If statins are not suitable or effective, your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications, such as bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin, or PCSK9 inhibitors, to lower cholesterol.
3. Combination Therapy:
  - In some cases, a combination of different cholesterol-lowering medications may be necessary to achieve target cholesterol levels.

Regular Monitoring:
- Your healthcare provider will monitor your cholesterol levels through blood tests and may adjust your treatment plan as needed to achieve and maintain optimal cholesterol levels.
Cardiovascular Risk Management:
- In addition to cholesterol management, addressing other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, is crucial for overall heart health.

It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and risk factors. High cholesterol is a manageable condition, and with appropriate lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. Regular follow-up appointments and adherence to the recommended treatment plan are key to long-term success in managing high cholesterol.

Our General Practitioner at Cornerstone Clinic Dubai

A general practitioner (GP) plays a pivotal role in the management of high cholesterol. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare and are well-equipped to provide guidance, conduct assessments, and initiate treatment when necessary. Here’s how a GP can help with high cholesterol management:

Initial Assessment:
- Your GP can assess your overall health and risk factors during routine check-ups or when you specifically seek advice about high cholesterol.
- They will review your medical history, family history, lifestyle factors (including diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption), and any existing medical conditions.
Cholesterol Testing:
- GPs can order blood tests to measure your cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Cholesterol testing helps determine the severity of your high cholesterol and guides treatment decisions.
Risk Assessment:
- Your GP will assess your overall cardiovascular risk, taking into account factors such as age, gender, blood pressure, smoking status, and the presence of other medical conditions like diabetes.
- This risk assessment helps determine the appropriate target cholesterol levels and guides the treatment approach.
Lifestyle Counseling:
- GPs provide guidance on dietary changes, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to help lower cholesterol levels.
- They can recommend heart-healthy diets, advise on portion control, and suggest ways to increase physical activity.
Smoking Cessation:
- GPs play a crucial role in advising and supporting patients in quitting smoking, as smoking can exacerbate high cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
Weight Management:
- If excess weight is contributing to high cholesterol, GPs can provide advice on weight loss strategies and refer patients to nutritionists or dietitians for further guidance.
Medication Management:
- When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to achieve target cholesterol levels or if the risk is high, GPs can prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins or other appropriate medications.
- GPs will monitor the effectiveness and safety of medication and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Regular Follow-Up:
- GPs will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, review cholesterol levels, and assess the response to treatment.
- Adjustments to the treatment plan, including medication dosage changes, may be made based on these follow-up assessments.
Comprehensive Care:
- GPs provide comprehensive care, addressing not only high cholesterol but also other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- They coordinate care with other healthcare providers and specialists when necessary.
Patient Education:
- GPs educate patients about the importance of cholesterol management, the benefits of treatment, and the potential risks associated with high cholesterol.
- They answer patients’ questions and provide information to empower them to take control of their health.

Overall, a general practitioner plays a central role in the initial assessment, ongoing management, and preventive care of high cholesterol. They work collaboratively with patients to develop personalised treatment plans aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk and improving overall health. If necessary, our family doctor, Dr Ruhil Badiani, may refer patients to specialists, such as cardiologists or lipidologists, for more specialised care and guidance. Regular communication with your GP is key to effective high cholesterol management and reducing the risk of heart disease.

To book a consultation or for more information, contact us at +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our GP, Dr Ruhil Badiani.

Dr Ruhil Badiani is a British doctor who studied, graduated and practised in London for 10 years before moving out to Dubai. Dr Ruhil Badiani has experience in treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. She values the patient-doctor relationship and recognises the importance of psychological and social factors, as well as the physical factors, which contribute to a patient’s presentation. She recognises the importance of lifestyle changes to improve health and prevent disease and is confident in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic disease.

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What treatments are available for high cholesterol at Cornerstone Clinic?

Cornerstone Clinic offers lifestyle modification counseling, dietary advice, and a range of medications like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors to manage high cholesterol effectively.

How does Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai decide on a treatment plan for high cholesterol?

In Dubai, Cornerstone Clinic evaluates your overall health and cholesterol levels to create a customized treatment plan that may include lifestyle adjustments and medications as necessary.

Are lifestyle changes enough for managing high cholesterol, or are medications needed?

For many in Dubai, lifestyle modifications significantly reduce cholesterol, but medications may be necessary for those with very high levels or other risk factors.

What support does Cornerstone Clinic offer for managing high cholesterol?

You’ll receive comprehensive support including educational resources, dietary counseling, and regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.

How often will I need to visit Cornerstone Clinic for high cholesterol management?

Visit frequency varies based on your condition’s severity and treatment response, with more frequent visits initially, tapering off as your cholesterol levels stabilize and are effectively managed.

Patient feedback

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"As a long term client of Dr Maurizio, having his new base at Cornerstone in Grosvenor House has made my visits so much easier. He is the only person I will trust with my face!
Coupled with the addition of a family GP at the clinic, who I have now moved over too, having so many health and wellness services under one roof in my end of the city is wonderful"

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