Cholesterol Treatment Clinic in Canton MA

At Integra Primary Care, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to support their long-term health. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body, playing a vital role in building healthy cells, producing certain hormones, and making vitamin D. Cholesterol is also essential for the formation of bile acids, which help you digest fats from the foods you eat.

While your body needs cholesterol to function properly, having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in packages called lipoproteins. There are two main types:
 
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This narrows your arteries and raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
 
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, carrying it back to your liver so it can be eliminated from your body.

Types of Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

• LDL Cholesterol (“Bad” Cholesterol): High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
 
• HDL Cholesterol (“Good” Cholesterol): HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. Higher HDL levels lower your risk of heart disease. Our team will work with you to encourage healthy habits that support good HDL cholesterol.
 
• Triglycerides: These fats often travel with cholesterol in the bloodstream. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart problems, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL. We check these levels as part of your routine care.
 
How Integra Primary Care Supports Your Heart Health

Our approach includes:

• Personalized Risk Assessment: We evaluate your unique cholesterol profile using comprehensive blood tests.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ups help us track your progress and make adjustments to your care plan as needed.
• Lifestyle Guidance: Our team provides practical advice on nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits tailored to your needs.

Dietary Changes for Better Heart Health

One of the most effective ways to lower cholesterol is through mindful dietary choices. The clinicians at Integra Primary Care can help you develop a nutrition plan that reduces saturated and trans fats—commonly found in red meat, full-fat dairy, fried foods, and many processed snacks. Instead, we’ll encourage you to enjoy more foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, lentils, apples, and pears, which can help decrease cholesterol absorption into your bloodstream. Adding fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines to your meals can also provide heart-healthy omega-3s that improve your cholesterol profile.
 
Get Active with Our Support

Regular physical activity is another pillar of cholesterol management. We recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise—like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—most days of the week. Our care team can help you find an activity routine that fits your lifestyle and keeps you motivated.

Healthy Habits for Lasting Change

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight often leads to significant improvements in cholesterol levels. Even modest weight loss can make a big difference. We’re also here to offer advice and resources to help you quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, both of which can have a positive impact on your heart health.
 
Supplements and Ongoing Monitoring

If you’re considering natural supplements such as plant sterols or stanols, it’s essential to talk with your provider first. We’ll review your overall health and any medications to ensure supplements are safe and effective for you.
 
Regular cholesterol checks are important, and Integra Primary Care offers convenient blood testing and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. We’ll work with you every step of the way to adjust your plan and celebrate your successes.

High cholesterol poses significant risks to your health, particularly to your heart and blood vessels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that your body needs to build healthy cells, but having too much—especially in the form of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—can be harmful. Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits, called plaques, inside the walls of your arteries. Over time, these plaques can narrow or block your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
 
This narrowing restricts blood flow and makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot, which may further block an artery. When this occurs in the arteries that supply the heart, it can lead to a heart attack. If the blockage happens in the arteries leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke. High cholesterol also increases the risk of peripheral artery disease, which affects blood flow to the limbs, and can contribute to the development of high blood pressure.
 
Take Charge of Your Heart Health

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and taking steps to keep them within a healthy range is crucial for reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.

At Integra Primary Care, Muhammad Ali Haider Bajwa, MD, and his team treat cholesterol as a key indicator of your overall cardiovascular health. They take an evidence-based, integrative approach that starts with a thorough understanding of your individual risk factors—including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. This patient-centered philosophy means you are a co-creator of your health plan, not just a recipient of a prescription.
Their treatment focuses on:

• Advanced Risk Assessment: Moving beyond basic numbers, they conduct a full assessment to determine the most effective approach for you.
• Tailored Lifestyle Interventions: They provide personalized guidance on nutrition and exercise, with achievable goals that integrate seamlessly into your life.
• Strategic Medication Management: When medication is necessary, they select and manage it expertly, always prioritizing your comfort and safety.
• Empowering Education: You will receive clear, concise education on the “why” behind your treatment, so you are fully equipped to make heart-healthy decisions for the long term.

At Integra Primary Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way—so you can enjoy a healthier, longer life. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 95 Washington St, Ste 204 B, Canton, MA 02021. We serve patients from Canton MA, Sharon MA, Stoughton MA, Norwood MA, Walpole MA, Randolph MA, Mansfield MA, Dedham MA, and surrounding cities.