Internal Medicine at Chinook Medical Centre — by physician referral
What This Covers
Cholesterol and other blood fats (lipids) affect long-term cardiovascular risk. This page covers elevated cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), mixed lipid disorders, and broader cardiovascular risk assessment — looking at cholesterol alongside other factors that influence heart and blood vessel health.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Cholesterol that remains high despite treatment
- Complex or mixed lipid abnormalities
- Family history of early heart disease or a suspected inherited cholesterol condition
- Cardiovascular risk assessment when multiple risk factors overlap
- Uncertainty about starting, adjusting, or tolerating cholesterol medication
Symptoms and Risk Factors
High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms — it’s identified through blood work, not how you feel.
Risk factors: family history (including early heart disease in close relatives), age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, low activity levels, and diet.
When Urgent Medical Attention May Be Needed
Chest pain, pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech) are emergencies — call 911 rather than waiting for a scheduled referral.
What Dr. Srini May Assess
Your overall cardiovascular risk profile — cholesterol pattern, blood pressure, blood sugar, family history, and lifestyle factors together — rather than cholesterol as an isolated number.
Tests That May Be Considered
Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides), and related blood work such as blood sugar or kidney function where relevant to overall risk. Chinook’s on-site lab supports routine and follow-up testing.
General Treatment and Monitoring Approach
May include dietary changes, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation support, medication where indicated, and periodic blood work to track progress — individualized, with no fixed protocol promised.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bring a current medication list, recent lipid panel results if available, and note any family history of heart disease or stroke, including approximate age of onset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need medication for high cholesterol?
Not always — it depends on your overall cardiovascular risk, not cholesterol alone. Lifestyle changes are often tried first or alongside medication.
Is high cholesterol hereditary?
It can be. Some inherited conditions cause significantly elevated cholesterol from a young age and may need specific assessment.
Can diet alone lower my cholesterol?
For some people, yes, at least partially. For others, genetics play a large role and medication may be needed regardless of diet.
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner is required.
How to Obtain a Referral
Already a Chinook Medical Centre patient? Ask your doctor whether a referral to Dr. Srini is right for you.
Don’t have a family doctor? Become a patient at Chinook Medical Centre — once established with one of our family physicians, they can assess whether a specialist referral is needed.
For referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Download the referral form below, complete it, and fax it to us at 403-384-9798. For questions, call 403-384-9799.
Download the Dr. Srini Internal Medicine Referral Form (PDF)
Manage Your Prescriptions
If your treatment plan includes medication, Chinook Guardian Pharmacy is located on-site, right in the same building — making it easy to fill prescriptions, ask questions, and stay on track with refills.
Sources
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada patient resources.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivasan Narasimhalu, MD, FRCPC. This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider or, for urgent symptoms, seek immediate care.
