High Cholesterol

Understanding High Cholesterol: A Hidden Danger You Shouldn’t Ignore

High cholesterol is a silent but serious condition that builds up fatty deposits in your blood vessels — increasing your risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Over time, these deposits can narrow or block arteries, disrupting blood flow to your heart and brain.

At Apex Heart & Vascular Center, we specialize in identifying and managing high cholesterol through advanced lipid testing, lifestyle counseling, and personalized cardiovascular care designed to lower your risk and protect your heart.

Common Symptoms & Risks of High Cholesterol

In most cases, high cholesterol shows no symptoms — which is why many patients don’t know they have it until a serious cardiac event occurs. But some may experience related warning signs or be at high risk if they have:

• Family history of heart disease

• Overweight or obesity

• Diabetes or high blood pressure

• Smoking or poor diet

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)

• Shortness of breath during exertion

• Fatty deposits visible under the skin (xanthomas)

• Weakness or numbness in limbs (if arteries are narrowed)

When Is High Cholesterol Considered Serious?

High cholesterol becomes dangerous when LDL (bad cholesterol) is too high or HDL (good cholesterol) is too low. You should seek medical care if:

• Your total cholesterol is over 200 mg/dL

• Your LDL is above 130 mg/dL, especially with other risk factors

• You have low HDL (< 40 mg/dL for men, < 50 mg/dL for women)

• You have a personal or family history of heart disease or stroke

• You’re over 40 and haven’t had your cholesterol checked in the last 1–2 years

Early intervention can significantly reduce your future risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Apex Heart & Vascular Center Can Help

At Apex Heart & Vascular Center, Dr. Yasir Akram and our board-certified cardiology team offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for high cholesterol at our Houston, Tomball, and Cypress locations.

Our advanced lipid care includes:

• Fasting and non-fasting lipid panels

• Advanced cholesterol testing (LDL particle size, ApoB, etc.)

• Personalized diet and lifestyle counseling

• Medication management (statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, etc.)

• Risk assessment for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease

• Long-term cardiovascular monitoring and prevention

Our goal is not just to manage your cholesterol numbers — but to protect your arteries, brain, and heart health for years to come.