Cholesterol Management in the Charleston Area
Cholesterol management for adults in the Charleston area, in person at our West Ashley office and by telehealth.
Understanding Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids in the blood — most commonly LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides. High LDL accelerates atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arterial walls that leads to heart attack and stroke. Most patients with high cholesterol have no symptoms, making routine lipid screening at preventive visits essential.
Treatment thresholds are individualized based on your LDL level, cardiovascular risk factors (age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, family history), and whether you have established cardiovascular disease. High-risk patients have lower LDL targets than lower-risk patients.
Cholesterol Management at Hope Integrative Medicine
Your initial evaluation includes a lipid panel, which for most people does not require fasting (ordered if recent results are not available), a cardiovascular risk assessment using the AHA/ACC Pooled Cohort Equations, and a review of your diet, exercise habits, and medication history. Many patients begin statin therapy at the first visit; others are appropriate for lifestyle modification and follow-up before initiating medication.
We prescribe the full range of lipid-lowering medications including statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin), ezetimibe, fibrates for elevated triglycerides, and PCSK9 inhibitors for high-risk patients who require additional LDL lowering beyond statins. Our lifestyle medicine services — nutritional counseling and metabolic health coaching — complement medication management for patients who want a comprehensive approach.
Cholesterol, Mental Health, and Medication Interactions
Several psychiatric medications — including atypical antipsychotics and some mood stabilizers — can affect lipid levels, making regular monitoring important for patients on these agents. Hope Integrative Medicine's integrated model means your primary care provider is aware of your psychiatric medications and monitors metabolic effects as part of your overall care — something that often falls through the cracks when physical and mental health care are managed in separate practices.
Prescriptions and Safety
Telehealth visits are evaluation and management visits. A prescription can be part of your treatment when your provider, using professional judgment and deciding together with you after weighing the risks and benefits, finds it medically necessary. Whether you are seen in person in West Ashley or by telehealth, prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, a severe allergic reaction, or severe abdominal pain.
Care in Your City
- Cholesterol management in Charleston
- Cholesterol management in Daniel Island
- Cholesterol management in Goose Creek
- Cholesterol management in Hanahan
- Cholesterol management in James Island
- Cholesterol management in Johns Island
- Cholesterol management in Ladson
- Cholesterol management in Moncks Corner
- Cholesterol management in Mount Pleasant
- Cholesterol management in North Charleston
- Cholesterol management in Summerville
- Cholesterol management in West Ashley
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lipid panels can be ordered to a local laboratory and reviewed at a telehealth visit. Statin prescribing and dose adjustment, the core of hyperlipidemia management, work well via telehealth. We offer in-person visits at our West Ashley office when preferred or when a more comprehensive physical evaluation is appropriate.
The decision to treat with medication depends on your LDL level and your overall cardiovascular risk — not just how you feel. The risk calculator we use incorporates your age, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, and family history alongside your lipid values. Some patients with moderately elevated LDL are appropriately managed with lifestyle changes; others with the same LDL have high enough cardiovascular risk to warrant medication. We walk through this with you at your visit.
Myalgia (muscle aches) is a reported side effect of statins, though true statin-related myopathy is less common than patients often fear. If you experience muscle pain on a statin, there are several options — lowering the dose, switching to a different statin, or using an alternative like ezetimibe. We do not dismiss these concerns and work to find a regimen you can tolerate.
Yes. Several psychiatric medications — particularly atypical antipsychotics — are associated with lipid elevation. Managing this as part of integrated care is straightforward when your primary care and psychiatric providers share a chart and coordinate directly, which is exactly what our model provides.
Dietary changes with the strongest evidence include reducing saturated fat, replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grains, and increasing soluble fiber (oats, beans, flaxseed). Regular aerobic exercise consistently improves HDL and reduces triglycerides. Weight loss in overweight patients lowers LDL and triglycerides meaningfully. Our lifestyle medicine services provide structured nutritional and exercise guidance alongside medication management.
Insurance We Accept
Commercial, ACA & Medicare
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
- Curative
- Centene (Ambetter / Wellcare)
- Humana
- Molina
- Medicare
South Carolina Medicaid
We accept all SC Medicaid managed care plans except Select Health (First Choice).
- Absolute Total Care (Centene)
- BlueChoice HealthPlan (Healthy Blue)
- Humana Healthy Horizons in SC
- Molina Healthcare of SC
- WellCare of SC
- Meridian Health Plan of SC
Self-pay rates are also available.