Lipid disorders affect millions of Americans and require ongoing medical care. Many people wonder if their internal medicine doctor can handle their lipid disorder.
The good news is that most internal medicine doctors are well-equipped to diagnose and treat lipid disorders effectively. These primary care specialists receive extensive training in managing conditions like high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Let us explore lipid disorders and how an internal medicine doctor can help manage them.
What Are Lipid Disorders
Lipid disorders involve problems with fats and cholesterol in your blood. These conditions include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly; however, too much can cause serious health problems.
The most common lipid disorder is high cholesterol. This condition increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. High triglycerides also pose health risks. Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) make it harder for your body to remove bad cholesterol.
Several factors contribute to lipid disorders. Family history plays a major role in your cholesterol levels. Diet and exercise habits significantly impact your lipid profile. Other medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect your cholesterol too.
How Internal Medicine Doctors Diagnose Lipid Disorders
Your internal medicine doctor uses simple blood tests to check your lipid levels. The lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. You typically need to fast for 9-12 hours before this lipid panel test.
Normal cholesterol levels vary by individual risk factors. Generally, total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol should stay under 100 mg/dL for most people. HDL cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
A study published in the journal Cureus found that routine cholesterol screening helps prevent heart disease. The research showed that early detection and treatment reduce fatal cardiovascular events. Your internal medicine doctor can perform these screenings during regular checkups.
Risk assessment helps determine your target cholesterol levels. Your doctor considers factors like age, gender, smoking status, and blood pressure. Family history of heart disease also influences your treatment goals. This comprehensive approach ensures personalized care.
Treatment Options Your Internal Medicine Doctor Can Provide
Internal medicine doctors offer several effective treatments for lipid disorders. Lifestyle changes form the foundation of treatment for most patients. Your doctor will discuss diet modifications, exercise plans, and weight management strategies.
Dietary Changes
Your internal medicine doctor can recommend specific dietary changes. Reducing saturated fat intake helps lower LDL cholesterol. Increasing fiber consumption also improves cholesterol levels. Your doctor might suggest working with a nutritionist for detailed meal planning.
Foods that help lower cholesterol include oats, beans, and nuts. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefit your lipid profile. Limiting processed foods and trans fats makes a significant difference, too.
Exercise Recommendations
Regular physical activity improves all aspects of your lipid profile. Your internal medicine doctor will recommend appropriate exercise based on your current fitness level. Most adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent choices for beginners. Resistance training also helps improve cholesterol levels. Your doctor can provide specific guidance based on any other health conditions you have.
Medication Management
When lifestyle changes are not enough, your internal medicine doctors in Tucson, AZ, can prescribe medications. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for lipid disorders. These drugs include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Other medication options include ezetimibe (Zetia) and bile acid sequestrants. PCSK9 inhibitors like evolocumab (Repatha) are newer options for severe cases. Your doctor will choose the best medication based on your specific needs and other health conditions.
When to Consider Specialist Referral
Most lipid disorders can be managed effectively by internal medicine doctors. However, certain situations may require specialist care. Your primary care doctor will refer you to a cardiologist or lipidologist when needed.
Severe lipid disorders that do not respond to standard treatment need specialist attention. A family history of very early heart disease also warrants specialist evaluation. Patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors benefit from specialized care.
Some patients have rare genetic lipid disorders requiring specialized treatment. Conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia need expert management. Your internal medicine doctor will recognize these conditions and make appropriate referrals.
Internal Medicine Doctor in Tucson, AZ
Your internal medicine doctor is well-equipped to diagnose and treat most lipid disorders effectively. These primary care specialists provide comprehensive, personalized treatment plans. Regular monitoring and medication adjustments ensure optimal outcomes.
Do not let concerns about cholesterol go untreated. Early intervention prevents serious complications like heart disease and stroke. Your internal medicine doctor can guide you through every step of treatment.
If you are looking for expert internal medicine and concierge care, Dr. Robert Lending provides comprehensive lipid disorder management. With years of experience treating patients in Arizona, Dr. Lending offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (520) 795-4291 to take the first step toward better cardiovascular health. We look forward to serving you!
