Question 1

What is high cholesterol and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or total cholesterol — or low levels of protective HDL cholesterol — in the blood. High LDL cholesterol promotes the buildup of plaques in artery walls (atherosclerosis), significantly raising the risk of heart attack and stroke; it typically causes no symptoms, so regular screening is essential.

Question 2

What medications are used to lower cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) are the cornerstone of cholesterol-lowering therapy and are recommended by the ACC/AHA for most patients at elevated cardiovascular risk because they reduce LDL by 30–50% and lower rates of heart attack and stroke. For patients who need further LDL reduction or cannot tolerate statins, options include ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab, alirocumab), bempedoic acid, and inclisiran; consult your healthcare provider to determine the right combination for your risk profile.

Question 3

What LDL cholesterol level should I aim for?

Accepted Answer

Target LDL levels depend on individual cardiovascular risk: the ACC/AHA guideline recommends less than 70 mg/dL for very high-risk patients (e.g., those with established heart disease), less than 100 mg/dL for high-risk patients, and a general goal of less than 130 mg/dL for lower-risk individuals. Your healthcare provider will calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk to set the appropriate target for you.

Question 4

Can diet and exercise lower cholesterol enough to avoid medication?

Accepted Answer

Dietary changes — reducing saturated fat, eliminating trans fats, increasing soluble fiber (oats, beans, psyllium), and adding plant sterols — can lower LDL by approximately 10–20%, and regular aerobic exercise improves HDL and overall lipid profiles. For many patients at elevated cardiovascular risk, lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to reach guideline targets, and statin therapy is also recommended; consult your healthcare provider about whether medication is needed in your case.

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

Overview

Drug classes used to treat high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

Medications for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

Drug comparisons for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

Frequently asked questions