LDL cholesterol can be lowered by treating the primary disease, lifestyle changes, and medications, depending on the patient’s specific condition and elevated lipid profile.
Secondary LDL elevation may occur in hereditary hyperlipoproteinemia, nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and the use of medications such as glucocorticoids, androgens, and beta-blockers. Elevated LDL caused by other systemic diseases or medications should be lowered by prompt treatment of the primary disease.
Dyslipidemia is strongly influenced by diet and lifestyle. Dietary control and a healthy lifestyle are the basis of lipid-lowering therapy and should be adhered to at all ages and with or without medication. Dietary control and healthy lifestyle mainly include anti-atherosclerotic diet, regular exercise, smoking and alcohol cessation, and weight control, etc. Specific reference can be made to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2016).
Pharmacotherapy includes statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors ezetimibe, probucol, bile acid sequestering agent colesevelam, PCSK9Y inhibitors, etc. Statins are the cornerstone of dyslipidemia pharmacotherapy. There are contraindications and adverse effects to medication, and it is recommended to consult a physician as to whether or not medication is needed and what kind of medication should be chosen, rather than taking medication without authorization.