What Is High Cholesterol (And Why It Matters)
Cholesterol is essential for health. But for many people, cholesterol in the blood (more specifically apoB particles) can damage your arteries from the inside out.
The condition commonly called “high cholesterol” is more technically known as hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, or dyslipidemia. It occurs when our blood has accumulated an excess of LDL cholesterol, or apoB particles.
Here’s the challenge: what is an optimal LDL cholesterol number can only be determined by also knowing your risk for artery disease, stroke, and heart attacks. For example, “normal” levels in a young, healthy person with no heart disease risk can be multiple times higher than what is optimal in someone with high risk for heart disease. The critical point is that knowing your LDL number is not enough. You also need to know your risk for heart disease.
For many who have not had a heart attack or stent, the best way to know your risk is to actually look at your arteries with either a CT calcium score or CT angiogram or a carotid ultrasound. If you don’t know your risk, you can’t interpret your LDL number and you maybe at risk of a heart attack and not even see it coming.
If left unchecked, high cholesterol contributes to:
Heart attack: Often without symptoms until it's too late.
Stroke: Cholesterol-driven plaque can restrict blood flow to the brain.
Atrial fibrillation: Unhealthy arteries can increase the likelihood of rhythmproblems like Afib.
Heart failure
Artery disease can lead to heart damage that can affect the ability for the heart topump efficiently
Kidney disease: Damaged arteries can reduce kidney blood flow.
Dementia & cognitive decline: Cholesterol-related inflammation and artery disease are key factors in cognitive decline.
Early death – despite being preventable if caught early enough, the leading cause of death is still artery disease leading to heart attacks and strokes.
The real danger? You may feel fine. Until you don’t.
But here’s the good news: Up to 90% of heart disease is preventable.
If you take the right approach.
Why Most Cholesterol Care Plans Fall Short
Most doctors are doing their best, but they’re stuck in a reactive system that does not
explore root causes and uses a one-size-fits-all approach.
This can be a life-threatening problem if you’re told your cholesterol is fine, when it’s notfine for you. On the other hand, without understanding your root causes and how yourarteries have been affected, you could end up on medications you don’t need. No deeptesting. No root cause evaluation. No real guidance.
Being "normal" is not good enough. Especially not when your life is on the line.
At HealthspanMD, we aim for optimal, not average. Because that's what truly prevents heart disease.
How We Treat High Cholesterol at HealthspanMD
We don’t settle for lowering your LDL. We work to uncover the full picture -so we can treat what’s really driving your risk.
And while the approach for each person is individualized to their needs and goals, here are some tests we use to determine what your “optimal” cholesterol is:
This allows us to create a treatment plan based on your biology, not just a formula.
Our Personalized Cholesterol Reversal Plan May Include:
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all prescription. It’s a doctor-designed transformation system.
Success Stories: From Confused to Confident
Marc Robbins
"For years, I tried different fitness programs, but nothing really worked—until I foundHealthSpanMD. Unlike most doctors who just check the basics, this team dives deeper. Injust four months, my numbers completely turned around. I finally feel in control of myhealth."
David Robinson
"I thought I was in great shape—lifting weights, cycling—but my numbers told a differentstory. After working with this team, I discovered hidden risks and made changes thattransformed my health. I lost nearly 20 pounds of fat, gained muscle, and dramaticallyimproved my cholesterol and blood pressure. I feel stronger, more energized, and healthierthan ever."
Claudio’s story would be a very strong fit with this message – thinks he’s fine – and he’snot, but caught in time before disaster strikes.
What to Expect as a HealthspanMD Member
This isn’t just a consult. It’s a powerful heart health optimization system designed to transform your future.
What’s included:
Full Root Cause Analysis with the HealthspanMD Assessment (DEXA, VO2 max, RMR, labs & imaging)
Advanced testing when indicated to personalize your approach.
Consultation and testing interpretation from true experts with decades of experience in saving hearts and lives with Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE and Dr. Lisa Hurst, MD
Team of dietitians, therapists, coaches, and cognitive health experts
A personalized plan to prevent, treat, or reverse heart disease
Ongoing progress monitoring and virtual coaching
Medication: Yes or No?
We’re not here to take away what works. But we’re not here to throw pills at symptoms either.
We start with lifestyle-based, root-cause approaches. If medication is needed, we:
Choose the best one for your biology
Ensure you understand its purpose
Minimize long-term reliance (when possible)
You deserve to know why you’re taking something and how it fits into the bigger picture.
Why Insurance Doesn’t Cover What Works Best
Insurance pays for sickness, not prevention. And there is a lot of money in people being(and staying) sick. But if you’re no longer willing to settle for the default option of low quality healthcare for your heart, our annual membership model allows us to:
Spend more time with you to understand your unique needs and preferences
Do advanced testing that is not covered by insurance
Offer long-term support
Provide the close connection that gets real results
Some services may be insurance reimbursable. We will help you navigate that.
Is HealthspanMD Right For You?
HealthspanMD may be the right fit if…
You’ve been told your cholesterol is “borderline” or “not bad enough”, but you aren’t so sure and you want real answers.
You’re already on a statin but still worried about your long-term risk.
You want to fully understand your calcium score and what it means for your future.
You have a family history of heart disease or stroke and don’t want to leave your health to chance.
You’re tired of vague advice and conflicting opinions and you want a clear, personalized plan.
Take the First Step: Book Your Free Call
Our patients choose us because we are the only cardiology practice that delivers proven results by understanding root causes, personalizing our approach to each individual, and creating a clear plan to achieving your long-term heart health and longevity goals. Let’s talk. No pressure. Just a real conversation about your goals, concerns, and how our doctor-led comprehensive approach could help you add healthy years to your life.
Schedule My Free Call NowP.S. Cholesterol doesn’t come with symptoms. It comes with consequences. This is yourmoment to act before something irreversible happens.
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