Dietary modification is the initial step in treatment for most patients with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia. For overweight individuals, weight reduction to ideal body weight is recommended. Reduction of total calories, cholesterol, and saturated fat is appropriate for most people. The degree of dietary restriction is proportional to the degree of the hyperlipidemia.

If there is no improvement in lipid blood levels within 2 months after maximal dietary modification, or if the initial cholesterol level is severely elevated, drug therapy is generally initiated.

The type of drug chosen depends upon the type of lipoprotein elevated in the serum. Several types of medications are available. Bile sequestrant resins, cholestyramine, colestipol, and nicotinic acid are drugs that may be prescribed for mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.

The class of drugs prescribed for the most common cause of hyperlipidemia is the HMG-coA reductase inhibitors. These drugs, also known as the statins, are prescribed for patients with elevated LDL levels.

Most patients with a history of heart attack or high risk for heart attack who have high cholesterol, should be prescribed one of these medications. The statins have been shown in studies to reduce death from heart attacks in patients with a history of coronary artery disease.

DON'T STOP TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Prognosis

Drug and diet therapy usually need to continue throughout the life of the affected individual. Periodic monitoring of blood levels is necessary to determine the response to treatment. In studies, reduction of high cholesterol levels has shown a decrease in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Complications

• Atherosclerosis
• Coronary artery disease
• Stroke
• Death

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

This condition is usually found by the health care provider when a screening test is performed. If you have hyperlipidemia, be aware that you are at increased risk for heart disease.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have this condition and have not scheduled periodic monitoring of blood lipid levels.

Ency. home > Disease > L > Lipid Disorders - acquired

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