High Cholesterol
Who It's For
Functional medicine support tailored to uncover the root cause of complex symptoms.
Consult with our care team to understand next steps and build a personalized plan.
Serving Denver Metro, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
About This Condition
High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia or broader dyslipidemia) refers to chronically elevated levels of atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, often accompanied by low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and/or elevated triglycerides. It is usually asymptomatic but is a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
Patients typically do not feel “high cholesterol” directly; it is detected by routine screening or in the context of known cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes. Inherited lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia may present at younger ages with markedly elevated LDL cholesterol and, in some cases, tendon xanthomas or premature cardiovascular events. More commonly, high cholesterol develops gradually over years in the setting of dietary patterns, low physical activity, excess adiposity, insulin resistance, endocrine changes, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
Clinical assessment focuses on fasting or non-fasting lipid panels, global cardiovascular risk estimation, family history of premature cardiovascular events, and identification of secondary causes such as hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, liver disease, and certain medications. Management emphasizes lifestyle and nutrition interventions, addressing weight and metabolic health, and pharmacologic lipid-lowering therapy when indicated to reduce long-term atherosclerotic risk.
Common Symptoms
- •Often asymptomatic and discovered on routine blood work or cardiovascular risk screening
- •History of premature coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease in self or close relatives
- •In familial hypercholesterolemia or severe genetic dyslipidemia, possible tendon xanthomas, xanthelasmas, or corneal arcus at relatively young ages
- •Coexisting features of metabolic syndrome such as central weight gain, elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, or low HDL cholesterol
- •Reduced exercise tolerance or exertional chest discomfort in individuals with advanced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease related to long-standing dyslipidemia
Conventional Treatment Options
Nutrition and lifestyle
Supplement support where appropriate
Medication optimization
Our Functional Medicine Approach
Who It's For
Adults with elevated LDL, low HDL, or high triglycerides.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved lipid profile
- Lower cardiovascular risk