More on treatment for high cholesterol
Dramatic lowering of ‘bad fats’ and increasing of ‘good fats’ can slow, stop, or even partially reverse the build-up of plaque in your arteries. Medication plays an important part in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing fatty plaque build-up.
As 20% or more of cholesterol comes from your diet and up to 80% is made by your liver, reducing dietary cholesterol and exercising are important ways of reducing a substantial amount of cholesterol. But taking medication regularly is equally important to target the remaining cholesterol which is made by your liver.
What treatment might I be given?
You may be given a number of different medicines to reduce your risk of
developing cardiovascular problems. These all have different effects on the
body. A combination of treatments is generally regarded as the best approach, rather than relying on just one approach. For example, you may be given different medications to:
- Reduce your cholesterol levels
- Reduce your blood pressure
- Thin your blood to reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
Medication to reduce your cholesterol levels
There are five main types of drugs that lower cholesterol levels. They all work in different ways, and include groups of drugs known as: statins, cholesterol
absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, niacin, and fibrates.
Treatment for the complications of fatty plaques (atherosclerosis)
Once fatty plaques begin to cause symptoms such as chest pain, you may have to undergo an operation to prevent your condition becoming worse. Angioplasty is a commonly performed procedure, which works by expanding the narrowed arteries from inside the blood vessel itself.
