High cholesterol care by video in Florida

MD Care treats adults across Florida by video. For primary care, you stay with the same clinician whenever possible, so your cholesterol is looked at alongside everything else they know about your health.

What high cholesterol is

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs, carried in the blood by particles called lipoproteins. A standard cholesterol test, or lipid panel, usually measures:

• LDL cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it builds up as plaque in the artery walls.
• HDL cholesterol, often called "good" cholesterol, which helps carry cholesterol away.
• Triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood.
• Total cholesterol.

Over years, plaque can narrow arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Diet and activity play a part, but genes, age and other conditions do too, which is why some people with healthy habits still have high cholesterol.

How MD Care manages high cholesterol by video

• A first visit about your whole heart picture. Cholesterol numbers mean more in context. Your clinician asks about your blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, family history and any past heart or vascular problems, since together they shape your overall risk.
• Labs near you. Your clinician orders a lipid panel, and other tests if appropriate, at a Labcorp or Quest location close to home. Many people don't need to fast for a cholesterol test; your clinician will tell you if you do.
• Results reviewed with you. You'll go over what your numbers mean and what, if anything, should change.
• Medication review. If you already take cholesterol-lowering medication, your clinician checks that it's working and that you're tolerating it. If medication would help, it's discussed with you, including the benefits and possible side effects, before anything is prescribed.
• Prescriptions to your pharmacy. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose. Renewing a medication your MD Care clinician prescribed is $5.
• Follow-up. After starting or changing treatment, labs are usually rechecked within a few months to see how you're responding. Once you're on a steady plan, checks are spaced further apart.

What you can do at home

Everyday habits can improve cholesterol numbers, and they help medication work better if you need it:

• Swap saturated fats for healthier ones. Choose olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish more often than fatty meats, butter and fried food.
• Eat more fiber. Oats, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruit help lower LDL.
• Limit added sugar and refined carbs, which can raise triglycerides.
• Move most days. Regular activity can raise HDL and lower triglycerides.
• Don't smoke. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your arteries, and we can help.
• Limit alcohol, which can raise triglycerides.
• Aim for a healthy weight. If that's hard to do on your own, ask about our medical weight-loss program.

If you take medication, keep taking it as prescribed, even once your numbers improve. Tell your clinician about new muscle aches or other side effects rather than stopping on your own.

When to get emergency or in-person care

High cholesterol itself isn't an emergency, but it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Call 911 right away for:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially if it spreads to the arm, neck, jaw or back
• Shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness with chest discomfort
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
• Sudden trouble speaking, confusion, trouble seeing, or a severe headache

Don't wait to see if symptoms pass, and don't book a video visit for these. Your clinician will also tell you if you need a test or exam that has to happen in person, or a referral to a cardiologist.

Medicare and cost

MD Care accepts Medicare. We confirm your coverage before your visit, and your usual Medicare cost-sharing may apply. Without insurance, a video visit is $50, a message visit is $20 when appropriate, and a prescription renewal is $5. There's no membership.

Labs are billed by Labcorp or Quest, not by MD Care. Medicare covers cardiovascular screening blood tests, including cholesterol, once every five years, and often covers more frequent testing when it's medically necessary for a diagnosed condition. Medications are paid at your pharmacy, through your Part D plan or out of pocket.