Chronic Care · Cholesterol

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is common and usually silent, but it's an important part of heart health. Here's a clear overview and how it's checked and managed at iCollab.

Key points

Silent — found with a simple blood test

An important part of heart health

Judged by overall risk, not one number

Managed by lifestyle, medication, or both

Cholesterol is a substance your body needs, but when certain types run high over time, it can contribute to the narrowing of arteries and raise cardiovascular risk. Like high blood pressure, it usually causes no symptoms — so a simple blood test is how it's found.

What the numbers mean

A lipid panel (blood test) looks at different types of cholesterol and related fats. Your physician interprets these alongside your overall risk — including blood pressure, family history, and other factors — rather than any single number in isolation.

Why it matters

Managing cholesterol is part of protecting your heart and blood vessels over the long term. Depending on your overall risk, management may focus on lifestyle, medication, or both — always tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

How iCollab supports you

Your family doctor can arrange the blood work, explain your results in the context of your overall health, and build a plan with you. As part of a connected team, any further screening or specialist input is coordinated within the clinic.

This is general information, not medical advice. Your physician will tailor care to your individual situation.

Have a concern you'd like looked at?

Book with an iCollab physician, or ask at the walk-in clinic.

If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. iCollab clinics are not equipped for emergency care.
Questions

High Cholesterol — FAQ

How is high cholesterol detected?+
Through a blood test (lipid panel), since it usually causes no symptoms. Your physician will advise when and how often to check based on your risk.
Is high cholesterol only about diet?+
Diet plays a role, but genetics and other factors matter too — some people have high cholesterol despite a healthy lifestyle. Your physician considers the whole picture.
What's involved in managing it?+
Depending on your overall cardiovascular risk, management may include lifestyle changes, medication, or both. It's individualized to you.
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