About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 10, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
2
...

Understanding Cholesterol-Lowering Medications (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

High Cholesterol Treatment

If an individual has high cholesterol, a doctor will recommend the following lifestyle changes to help the patient lower their cholesterol levels:

  • Low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet

  • Increased physical activity

  • Smoking cessation

  • Weight loss

If these lifestyle changes do not lower a person's risk for developing coronary heart disease after about three months, the doctor may consider prescribing a cholesterol-lowering medication. If the patient has heart disease or many risk factors for heart disease, the doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications in addition to lifestyle changes immediately, rather than wait three months for the effect of lifestyle changes alone.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Cholesterol Lower Medications - Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with cholesterol lowering medications.

Cholesterol Management

Tips to keep it under control.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia) »

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is positively associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies