Your cholesterol profile tells a complex story beyond simple "good" and "bad" numbers. HDL above 60 mg/dL provides strong protection, while HDL below 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women) significantly increases risk. LDL particle count matters more than total LDL—you can have "normal" LDL cholesterol but dangerous small, dense particles. Dr. Winnard explains exactly what each marker means for your individual risk.

Lipoprotein(a) is one of the strongest predictors of heart attack and stroke risk, yet 95% of physicians never test for it. Elevated Lp(a) levels—affecting 20% of the population—can increase cardiovascular risk by 300-500% regardless of other cholesterol numbers. Unlike other lipid markers, Lp(a) is largely genetic and requires specialized treatment approaches beyond standard cholesterol management.

Absolutely. Natural protocols including red yeast rice, berberine, plant sterols, and targeted peptides can achieve significant cholesterol improvements without statin side effects like muscle pain, cognitive issues, or liver concerns. Our approach combines evidence-based natural compounds with lifestyle optimization to achieve optimal cholesterol profiles while supporting overall health rather than just suppressing numbers.

Pattern B cholesterol—small, dense LDL particles—increases heart attack risk by 300-500% compared to Pattern A (large, fluffy particles) even at identical total cholesterol levels. Standard cholesterol testing misses this critical distinction. Our advanced particle analysis identifies your pattern type, allowing targeted interventions to shift dangerous Pattern B toward protective Pattern A naturally.

Untreated cholesterol imbalances create cumulative arterial damage over decades. Small improvements in cholesterol profiles can reduce heart attack risk by 20-40% and stroke risk by 15-30% over 10-20 years. Early optimization in your 40s and 50s can prevent cardiovascular events in your 60s and 70s, potentially adding 5-15 years of healthy lifespan while avoiding disability from heart disease and stroke.

 High-sensitivity CRP measures arterial inflammation independent of cholesterol levels. You can have perfect cholesterol numbers but elevated CRP, indicating high cardiovascular risk from inflammation. Conversely, moderate cholesterol elevations with low CRP may represent lower risk than standard algorithms suggest. Understanding both lipid and inflammatory profiles provides comprehensive risk assessment that cholesterol alone cannot provide.