Cholesterol Management
What is the Cholesterol Management Program?
Many Outpatient and Prevention Program participants can also participate in the Lipid Management Program. Our Lipid Management Program helps people with high cholesterol lower their risk of heart disease. If you already have heart disease, this program will help to decrease the progression of the disease. The best ways to lower your cholesterol levels are through exercise, eating low fat foods, and if necessary, taking medications. The Lipid Management Program will help you make any needed lifestyle changes through close clinical monitoring and follow up, mailings, and referrals to our on site health or internet based education programs.
Who is the Program for?
The program is designed for anyone with high cholesterol including those who have heart disease. If you already have heart disease, studies have shown that cholesterol lowering medication can decrease your risk of future heart attacks and by-pass surgery.
If you do not have heart disease, but are at a risk for developing heart disease, the lipid management team, comprised of your lipid nurse, a dietitian, and exercise physiologist, will work with you to help you reduce your overall risk for heart disease, not just your cholesterol. Your lipid nurse will let you know when to come in for another blood test, the results of your last blood test, and the next steps to be taken based on your individual risk evaluation.
What about cholesterol lowering medication?
Although cholesterol lowering medication is not for everyone, studies suggest some people may need medication in addition to making changes in their eating habits to lower their blood cholesterol. Your lipid nurse will work with you to identify your need for cholesterol lowering medication and determine whether or not to continue taking medication.
Your lipid nurse will explain how to take your medication and the side effects to look for. If you experience any problems with your medication, your lipid nurse will be available to help you. During this time you will continue to see your primary care physician for your other medical care. Your primary physician will be continually contacted regarding your lipid management.
What will participation in the Lipid Management Program cost?
There is no cost for e-mail contacts. Your usual insurance and co-payments will be charged for clinical services.
How do I get further information regarding participation in the CHAMPS Cholesterol Management Program?
Contact our office at (928) 634-3025.
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