3 steps to help manage high cholesterol

3 steps to help manage high cholesterol

1. Visit MinuteClinic at a CVS HealthHUB location.

Your first stop for cholesterol care at CVS HealthHUB is a MinuteClinic visit. Open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

Our MinuteClinic providers offer the following services for high cholesterol:

Cholesterol screening

Here's how our cholesterol screening at MinuteClinic works:

Before your visit

Fasting is required for triglycerides measurement to be accurate. For the best results, do not have any food or drinks except water for 8 to 12 hours before the screening test.

During your visit

1. Your MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history and lifestyle factors.
2. Your provider will take a blood sample from your finger to test your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol.*
3. After reviewing your results, your provider will offer recommendations to help you successfully manage your cholesterol.* They'll also refer you for further testing and diagnosis if needed.
4. At the end of your visit, you will receive a visit summary, a receipt and educational material.
5. A summary of your visit and relevant lab results can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.

High cholesterol monitoring

If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, our MinuteClinic providers can help monitor your condition in between visits to your primary care provider.

Here's how our high cholesterol monitoring service works:

1. Your MinuteClinic provider will review your medical history and lifestyle factors.
2. Your provider will perform an exam and tests based on your individual needs, which may include:*
   • Blood pressure check.
   • Body mass Index (BMI).
   • Cholesterol (lipid) test. A blood sample will be taken from your finger to test LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
3. Your provider will discuss your results and offer recommendations to help you successfully monitor and manage your cholesterol levels.
4. At the end of your visit, you will receive a visit summary, a receipt and educational material.
5. A summary of your visit can be sent to your primary care provider with your permission.

Who should be tested for high cholesterol and when?

Adults at average risk of developing coronary artery disease should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years, beginning at age 18.

More frequent testing may be needed if your initial test results are abnormal, if you already have coronary artery disease, you're taking cholesterol-lowering medications or you're at higher risk of coronary artery disease because you:

• Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks
• Are overweight
• Are physically inactive
• Have diabetes
• Eat an unhealthy diet
• Smoke cigarettes
• Are a man over 45 years old or a woman over 55 years old

People with a history of heart attacks or strokes require regular cholesterol testing to monitor the effectiveness of their treatments.

What are some of the risk factors for high cholesterol?

Testing for high cholesterol is advised if you have certain risk factors, such as:

• Drinking alcohol frequently
• Smoking cigarettes
• Being overweight or obese
• Leading an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle
• Having a family history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease
• Are diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues

Having these factors can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol and may result in potential complications as a result.

What does a cholesterol screening measure?

A comprehensive cholesterol test is also called a lipid panel or lipid profile. The results of a lipid panel provide 4 measurements:

1. Total cholesterol: The sum of all the types of cholesterol in your blood.
2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): The undesirable “bad” kind of cholesterol that can build up plaque, clog your blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): The “good” kind that helps clear LDL from your blood vessels and keeps arteries open for blood to flow freely.
4. Triglycerides: When you eat, the body converts the calories it doesn't need into triglycerides that are stored in fat cells. Hormones release triglycerides into the bloodstream for energy between meals.

How do I read my cholesterol test results?*

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

2. Get personalized care at our pharmacy.

If you receive a prescription from your MinuteClinic provider during your visit, you have the option of filling it and picking it up right at CVS Pharmacy®. Our dedicated pharmacy team is here to help and can answer any questions you may have about your medication.

3. Shop products to help support your cholesterol.

From better-for-you snack options to at-home cholesterol tests and cholesterol support supplements, you can explore a wide range of products in store to help keep your cholesterol levels in check.