High Cholesterol / Hypercholesterolemia

The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease and resulting myocardial infarction ( heart attack ).

Diet modification is the initial phase of treatment and is tried for several months before drug therapy is added. Diet modifications include reducing total fat intake to 30% of the total calories consumed. Saturated fat intake is reduced by decreasing the amounts of beef, pork, and lamb; substituting low-fat dairy products; and eliminating coconut and palm oil. Cholesterol intake is reduced by eliminating egg yolks and organ meats. Further reductions in the percentage of fat in the diet may be recommended after the initial trial period. Dietary counseling is often recommended to assist people with these adjustments to their eating habits. (Link to medindia diet section).

Exercise , especially to induce weight loss , may also aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

Drug therapy may be initiated if diet, exercise, and weight reduction efforts have not reduced the cholesterol levels after an adequate trial period.