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Cardiolucent

Condition

Hyperlipidemia

Comprehensive lipid evaluation and individualized cholesterol management.

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) circulating in the blood. Over years, elevated LDL cholesterol and related particles drive the deposition of plaque in arterial walls, the process at the root of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Many patients have no symptoms at all until that downstream disease appears, which is why proactive measurement and treatment are central to preventive cardiology. Dr. Kedan uses advanced lipid panels and individual risk profiling to decide who needs aggressive treatment and who can be managed more conservatively. The goal is not to chase a number but to reduce lifetime cardiovascular event risk.

What Cardiolucent Evaluates

  • Standard lipid panel with calculated LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol
  • Advanced lipid panel including apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a)
  • Family history of premature cardiovascular disease
  • Coronary calcium scoring to refine risk in selected patients
  • Concurrent risk factors: blood pressure, glucose, weight, inflammatory markers
  • Medication review for drugs that affect lipids
  • Lifestyle assessment covering diet, exercise, sleep, and alcohol

Common Symptoms

  • Usually silent — most patients have no symptoms from elevated lipids themselves
  • Symptoms typically come from downstream disease: chest pain, leg pain with walking, or stroke
  • Xanthomas or xanthelasma (fatty deposits in skin or around eyes) in severe familial cases
  • Pancreatitis in cases of extremely high triglycerides
  • Findings may first appear on routine bloodwork or after a cardiovascular event

Risk Factors

  • Family history of high cholesterol or premature heart disease
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia or elevated lipoprotein(a)
  • Diet high in saturated fat or refined carbohydrates
  • Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
  • Diabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome
  • Hypothyroidism and certain kidney or liver conditions
  • Some medications (steroids, certain immunosuppressants, retinoids)
  • Excessive alcohol intake (particularly for triglycerides)

How Cardiolucent Approaches Treatment

Treatment intensity is matched to your overall cardiovascular risk, not just to a single number. Dr. Kedan combines targeted lifestyle change — a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, consistent aerobic exercise, and weight optimization — with medication when warranted, drawing from statins, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and PCSK9 inhibitors for LDL, plus dedicated agents for high triglycerides or elevated lipoprotein(a). Therapy is adjusted based on response, tolerability, and changes in imaging or risk profile over time.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is elevation of one or more types of lipid in the blood, most often LDL cholesterol or triglycerides. It is sometimes called dyslipidemia when the pattern includes low HDL or abnormal particle composition. Either term refers to a blood-lipid pattern that raises cardiovascular risk.
How is hyperlipidemia different from high cholesterol or other lipid issues?
Hyperlipidemia is one specific subset of the broader category of high cholesterol and lipid disorders. It focuses on elevated total or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but the modern approach also considers apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a), which often provide a more accurate picture of risk.
Why does cholesterol matter if I feel fine?
The damage from elevated lipids accumulates silently for years before any symptom appears. By the time chest pain or a stroke occurs, the disease is already advanced. Treating elevated lipids is one of the most powerful ways to prevent these events before they happen.
How is hyperlipidemia diagnosed?
A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Dr. Kedan typically extends this with an advanced lipid panel that includes apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and particle measures when they would change management.
What is lipoprotein(a), and should I be tested?
Lipoprotein(a) is an inherited particle that independently increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because it is genetically determined and largely stable through life, most adults benefit from being tested at least once, particularly those with a family history of early cardiovascular disease.
Do I really need a statin?
Statins remain the most evidence-supported class of cholesterol-lowering medications and are appropriate for most patients with elevated cardiovascular risk. Whether you need one — and at what dose — depends on your LDL level, calcium score or imaging findings, family history, and other risk factors. Dr. Kedan personalizes the decision rather than applying a single threshold.
What if I cannot tolerate statins?
Several effective alternatives exist, including ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Many patients labeled as 'statin intolerant' can also be managed with a different agent, lower dose, or alternate-day regimen. Dr. Kedan works through these options methodically rather than abandoning lipid lowering.
Can lifestyle alone fix high cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes — particularly a Mediterranean-style diet, weight loss, and consistent aerobic exercise — can meaningfully lower LDL and triglycerides and raise HDL. For some patients with mild elevations and low overall risk, this is enough. For most patients with moderate or high risk, lifestyle plus medication achieves better protection than either alone.
How often should I have my lipids checked?
Once on a stable regimen with controlled lipids, every 6–12 months is typical. After starting or adjusting medication, recheck is usually 6–12 weeks out to confirm response and tolerability.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (310) 304-5555 or use the contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kedan at the Beverly Hills office. Cardiolucent does not bill Medicare or insurance and provides a detailed superbill for any out-of-network reimbursement.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.