Lipid Management

Lipid Management services offered in Santa Monica, CA

High cholesterol quietly damages your arteries and increases your risk for a heart attack and stroke. At Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, you can receive expert lipid management that considers more than just a single cholesterol number, provided by Jenica L. Ortega, MD. Dr. Ortega examines your complete lipid profile and evaluates your individual risk factors to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. To take control of your cholesterol and protect your heart, call the office or book online today.

Lipid Management Q & A

What is lipid management?

Lipid management involves monitoring and controlling the fats in your blood to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your body needs lipids to function properly, but an excessive amount of certain types can build up in your arteries and form blockages.

Your lipid profile includes several key measurements:

Total cholesterol

Your total cholesterol number reflects the entire amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Often branded as“bad” cholesterol, LDL builds up in artery walls and forms plaque.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL from your arteries and transports it back to your liver.

Triglycerides

When these fats become elevated, they increase your heart disease risk.

Who needs lipid management?

Dr. Ortega may recommend lipid management if you have:

High cholesterol or triglyceride levels on blood tests
A family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
Risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity
A history of a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular events
Genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia
A diet high in saturated fats, a lack of physical activity, or smoking
Certain medications or age-related hormonal changes that affect cholesterol

Some people inherit genes that cause their bodies to produce an excessive amount of cholesterol or struggle to remove it from their blood.

What does lipid management involve?

Dr. Ortega orders comprehensive blood work to measure your lipid levels. She reviews your results alongside other cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, diabetes, smoking status, and family history.

Depending on her findings, she may recommend additional testing, like advanced lipid panels that measure particle size and number, coronary calcium scoring to assess plaque buildup, or electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) and stress tests to evaluate heart function.

Your treatment plan may include:

Dietary changes focusing on heart-healthy fats, fiber, and whole foods
Regular exercise programs (with cardiac stress testing first if needed)
Weight management strategies
Medications like statins, fibrates, or PCSK9 inhibitors, when lifestyle changes aren't enough

Dr. Ortega monitors your lipid levels over time and adjusts your treatment as needed. She collaborates with your other healthcare providers to ensure your entire care team supports your cardiovascular health.

Managing your lipids effectively reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events. To schedule your lipid management consultation, call Dr. Ortega or book online today.