Hypercholesterolemia - High Cholesterol

What are the treatments for the disease?

Recently, treatment of high cholesterol has shifted from total cholesterol to LDL cholesterol. Treatment focuses on reduction of LDL cholesterol to the optimal level, whenever possible. LDL can be lowered with therapeutic lifestyle changes, or TLC. It can also be reduced with medications.

Therapeutic lifestyle changes include regular physical activity and weight reduction. TLC also includes the following dietary guidelines:

TLC guidelines also recommend 2 grams of plant stanols/esters per day. Plant sterols are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, and other plant-based foods. Plant sterol esters are being found in food products, such as certain salad dressings and food spreads.

Cholesterol-lowering medications are recommended for people whose short or long-term risk of CAD is high. These medications include:

The choice of medications is based on the cholesterol level, the person's age, and any other health conditions.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The side effects depend on the particular medication chosen. Most cholesterol-lowering medicines can have bad effects on the liver. Blood tests are often done to measure the levels of enzymes produced by the liver. Niacin can cause flushing of the skin and itching. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and high blood glucose.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Treatment of high total and LDL cholesterol is lifelong. Diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are key to quality of life.

How is the disease monitored?

The individual will have regular cholesterol tests and visits with the healthcare provider. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.