High Cholesterol Specialist
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SimplyCare
Primary Care Physicians located in Mount Juliet, TN
High Cholesterol is a condition that must be diagnosed and addressed with the proper treatment. Dr. Ashok K. Mehta, a top-ranked primary care physician at SimplyCare in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, provides the treatment that patients need to get healthy.
High Cholesterol Q& A
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance made by the liver, and also found within certain types of foods. Although cholesterol is often referred to as a bad thing, it's only bad when there is too much of it in the body. The body actually needs cholesterol to help with structuring cell membranes, producing hormones, and keeping the metabolism efficient. However, the amount of cholesterol needed for these things is relatively small. Any excess cholesterol in the body can cause some serious health issues.
What is HDL Cholesterol?
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is also known as "good cholesterol." With HDL readings, higher numbers are better. HDL helps get rid of LDL in the body.
What is LDL Cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is known as "bad cholesterol." The higher the number, the higher the bad cholesterol in the body is, so lower numbers are best on LDL readings.
Why Are There 3 Different Cholesterol Numbers?
The total cholesterol number is based upon 3 things: The HDL, the LDL, and the triglycerides readings. If the triglycerides are high in combination with either high LDL or low HDL, it can mean an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke.
What Health Problems Can High Cholesterol Cause?
High cholesterol can increase a patient's risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular system diseases. Cholesterol can accumulate within the walls of the arteries, which will in turn make blood flow difficult or impossible. This can lead to serious health problems, even potentially deadly ones like heart attack or stroke.
What is the Solution for High Cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes can make a major difference for people with high cholesterol. This includes reduction of trans fats and the increase of soluble fiber in the diet. Prescription medication may also be needed to help get cholesterol under control. As long as the patient is dedicated to making healthy dietary changes, serious health consequences can often be prevented.
Insurance Accepted
SimplyCare is "In-Network" with essentially all commercial insurance plans (HMO and PPO) in this area. We are also in network with the TennCare programs in this area. To support our Military, our physicians are in the TriCare network as participating providers. They are also participating providers in the regular fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid programs and the Medicare Advantage programs sponsored by the larger insurance companies. Please note: We do not participate in any HealthSpring network, including their Medicare plans because they refuse to allow us in their network.
Words from our patients
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"I've been seeing Dr. Mehta for 4 years now and our family loves his knowledge and the friendliness of the entire staff!"
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"I was sent to see Dr. Mehta a few years ago for him to be my primary care doctor. I can not be happier with this move."
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"Very genuine caring people that make you feel cared about, not like just another face or number."
