Elevated levels of blood pressure and cholesterol are common chronic conditions that can increase your risk of developing heart disease. At his family practice in the East Village area of New York City, Matt Pabis, MD, offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options to help you reduce your risk for heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease. Learn more by booking an appointment online or over the phone today.
request an appointmentWhat is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries remains high over a long period of time.
There are typically no symptoms associated with high blood pressure until the pressure reaches potentially life-threatening levels. In most cases, Dr. Pabis will detect high blood pressure through blood pressure checks at your routine health exams.
What causes high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy material in your blood that helps build healthy cells. Having too much cholesterol can cause a buildup of fatty deposits in your blood vessels, which can interfere with your blood flow and deprive cells of the oxygen they need to stay healthy.
Your body has two kinds of cholesterol. Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), carries excess cholesterol to your liver for elimination. Bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can build up on the walls of your arteries, causing them to narrow and harden.
Having too much bad cholesterol can lead to serious heart damage and cause a stroke or heart attack if not treated.
How is high cholesterol diagnosed?
Dr. Pabis can determine if you have high cholesterol levels through a simple in-office blood test. He evaluates the total amount of cholesterol in your body, including the good and bad, to determine if your cholesterol is too high.
What treatments are available for high blood pressure and high cholesterol?
Initially, for both high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Dr. Pabis may suggest lifestyle changes that can naturally lower your levels of unhealthy cholesterol and blood pressure.
These lifestyle changes may include:
- Dietary changes
- Increased exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing excess stress
If these changes aren’t enough to improve your conditions, Dr. Pabis may recommend prescription medications.
For high blood pressure, Dr. Pabis may prescribe medication that can relax your blood vessels. For high cholesterol, Dr. Pabis may prescribe statins, a class of lipid-lowering medications that are the common treatment option for reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood.
After a careful review of your medical history and existing health conditions, Dr. Pabis will create a customized treatment plan so you can manage these chronic conditions effectively. He will also schedule routine checkups to monitor your condition throughout your treatment.
Don’t let high blood pressure or high cholesterol affect your health. Book an appointment online or over the phone with Matt Pabis, MD, today.