Treatments for high cholesterol2,3
Sometimes diet changes and regular physical activity are not enough to lower high LDL-cholesterol to a desirable level.
Your doctor may wish to start you on medication if, despite dietary changes, regular physical activity and weight loss, you need further treatment to get to your LDL-cholesterol target.
Medication can help to change your levels of 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. By reducing LDL-cholesterol, certain medications can help prevent plaque build-up inside your arteries.
It's important to remember that cholesterol-lowering medication is not a cure, and you will likely need to take it for the rest of your life. In addition, you will also need to exercise regularly, eat enough vegetables and fruit, cut down on saturated fats and maintain a healthy weight.
Currently, there are five main classes of medications available that lower cholesterol. Your doctor can advise which may be appropriate for you. Your doctor's choice will depend on many factors, including how much good (HDL) or bad (LDL) cholesterol you have, and whether other lipids or triglycerides in your blood are high. Your age or medical history may also be a factor. Sometimes a doctor will recommend a combination of medications.
References
2 National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, Position Statement on Lipid Management – 2005.
3 Lipid Management Guidelines, MJA 175, 5 November 2001