Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is produced in the liver. It also comes from certain foods we eat, such as meat and dairy. Cholesterol is important for building healthy cells in the body, but too much of it can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease. There are a variety of effective treatments available to treat high cholesterol, which you can learn more about below.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
In many cases, cholesterol levels can be reduced successfully by making positive changes to diet and lifestyle. This can include:
- Eating a healthy, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
- Limiting salts and saturated fats, such as animal fats, (full fat) dairy products, and processed foods.
- Getting regular physical exercise.
- Losing any extra pounds to maintain a healthy weight.
- It is stopping smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Managing stress.
Medications to Lower Cholesterol
If lifestyle changes alone do not work, you may require prescription medication to help reduce your cholesterol level. There are several types of medications available that work in different ways to lower cholesterol. Sometimes, a combination of medications may be recommended and must be altered over time.
Statins
Statins are the most popular type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels. There are different types of statins available, including Atorvastatin, Pitavastatin, Fluvastatin, and Lovastatin. These statins lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the wrong type of cholesterol) circulating in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. They also help improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels, reduce inflammation and damage, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Statins are often required long-term, even if cholesterol levels are reduced. Although most people tolerate statins well, they can cause side effects for some, such as nausea, constipation, headaches, cold-type symptoms, and muscle and joint pain. You should always let your health provider know if you are experiencing problems, so they can develop a treatment plan to best manage your symptoms.
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe, reduce cholesterol by limiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine. The medication may be used alongside statin medication. There are possible side effects, which can include fatigue, stomach pain, diarrhea, and joint pain. The medication may also interact with other medications, so always let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines. The medication also needs to be avoided by people with certain medical conditions, such as liver problems, pregnancy, or if planning a pregnancy.
Bempedoic Acid
Bempedoic acid is a newer drug that works similarly to statins. It may be used when statins are not suitable or if ezetimibe is not working well enough alone. The medication reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver and is much less likely to cause side effects such as muscle pain.
PCSK9 Inhibitors
PCSK9 inhibitors, such as alirocumab, are drugs that help the liver absorb more LDL cholesterol, thereby lowering the amount of cholesterol in the blood. The medication is typically only considered when statins can’t be used or for patients with certain medical conditions. PCSK9 inhibitors are delivered by injection under the skin every few weeks.
Bile-Acid-Binding Resins
Bile-acid-binding resins work to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by binding certain components of bile (used to digest food) in the digestive tract, causing the liver to use excess cholesterol to make more bile acids. There are different types of bile-acid-binding resins available, including cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol. Possible side effects include constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cold-like symptoms.
Fibrates
Fibrates, such as fenofibrate, reduce the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in the liver. They also speed up the removal of triglycerides (a type of fat) from the blood.
Other medications, such as niacin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, may also be considered to reduce cholesterol levels, particularly for high triglyceride levels.
High Cholesterol Treatment Near Me in Sarasota and Manatee County, FL
If you are looking for effective treatment to manage high cholesterol or are concerned about your cholesterol levels, contact the highly qualified cardiologists at Intercoastal Medical Group for expert care and management of your condition.
At Intercoastal Medical Group, our providers offer comprehensive healthcare services to help keep you in the best health possible. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about our services, visit us at our Beneva Cardiology office in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch II office in Bradenton, or Cattleridge Medical Building II in Sarasota. You can also use our convenient link to schedule an appointment online.
