High Cholesterol Treatment in Raleigh, NC
High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms, but it raises your risk for heart disease and stroke over time. Dr. Jessica Wright helps patients at Right Care Family Medicine in Raleigh, NC, understand their lipid results and lower their risk with a practical, personalized plan.
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs, but too much of certain types can build up in the walls of your arteries. High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high triglycerides can all add to your risk of heart attack and stroke. A simple blood test called a lipid panel shows where your levels stand.
Signs of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, so most people find out through routine lab work. That’s why regular screening matters, especially if you have other risk factors. In some cases, very high cholesterol can cause:
- Yellowish deposits on the skin or around the eyes
- A gray or white ring around the colored part of the eye
Causes & Risk Factors
Cholesterol levels are shaped by both genetics and lifestyle. Risk factors include a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, a diet high in saturated fat, low physical activity, extra weight, tobacco use, diabetes, an underactive thyroid, and age. Some people inherit a condition that causes very high cholesterol even with healthy habits.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Schedule a visit if you haven’t had a cholesterol check in several years, if a recent lab result was high, or if you have a family history of heart disease. Call 911 right away for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness or numbness.
What to Expect
01
Lipid Testing
We check your cholesterol with a blood test and review your personal and family history.
02
Understanding Your Risk
We look at your cholesterol alongside blood pressure, blood sugar, and other factors to estimate your overall heart risk.
03
A Plan to Lower It
We recommend nutrition and activity changes, discuss medication when it makes sense, and recheck your levels over time.
Why Choose Right Care Family Medicine for Cholesterol Care?
- Board-certified family physician focused on prevention
- Clear explanations of your lipid panel and heart risk
- Coordination with cardiology when specialist care is needed
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans accepted
Related Conditions & Services
High cholesterol is closely linked with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Screening happens through primary and preventive care, and long-term care is part of our chronic disease management.
Your Provider for Cholesterol Care
Dr. Jessica Wright, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family physician with more than ten years of clinical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Cholesterol
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Many healthy adults are checked every 4 to 6 years, but you may need testing more often if you have risk factors or are being treated. We’ll recommend a schedule that fits your health.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Often you don’t, but fasting is sometimes recommended, especially if your triglycerides have been high. We’ll let you know before your lab work.
Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
Many people can improve their numbers with changes to diet, activity, and weight. Whether medication is also a good idea depends on your overall heart risk, which we’ll review together.
Take a Simple Step for Your Heart Health
Request a visit to check your cholesterol and talk through what your numbers mean.