You may need a blood test and prescription treatment.
Hyperlipidemia, better known as high cholesterol, is an elevated level of lipids (fats) like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Too much cholesterol can cause your arteries to harden and narrow, which leads to decreased blood flow around the body.
The condition can be genetic but is usually acquired, meaning you can prevent it with diet and exercise. Hyperlipidemia is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in both the United States and the world.
High cholesterol is diagnosed with a simple blood test called a “Lipid Panel." Your Alpha Provider will evaluate the results of your lipid panel combined with other risk factors to estimate your 10-year and lifetime risks for cardiovascular disease and will recommend the best treatment for you.
We partner with Quest Diagnostics to administer the Lipid Panel (pricing may vary in NY).
Your Alpha Provider will contact you to discuss the results of your blood test and next steps. If your lipid panel is elevated, in combination with other risk factors, your provider will ask you to complete ALT and AST tests to check your liver function before prescribing medication. The tests can be completed via:
We partner with Quest Diagnostics to administer the ALT & AST tests (pricing may vary in NY).
If you have pre-existing high cholesterol, we can treat you without requiring additional lab tests if you can provide your lab results from within the last year.
Lifestyle modifications are the first treatment for patients with high cholesterol, including smoking cessation, increasing aerobic exercise, and diet modification. Your Alpha Provider may prescribe medications in addition to lifestyle changes. You may need a second lab test prior to being prescribed medication in order to assess your liver function.
Your Alpha Provider can help you find the right dose of treatment that is simple, safe, and effective.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, which is why it’s so important to be screened for it.
Answer questions about your health condition online. A medical provider will review your responses and follow up with lab test instructions within 24 hours.
Your Alpha Provider may ask you to have your blood drawn at our partner lab, Quest Diagnostics, or a lab of your choice. Once your results are ready, our medical team will reach out to discuss next steps.
Medications will be shipped to you for free (or sent to your pharmacy for pick up).
something that is first
al·pha | \ ˈal-fə | noun