Question: What is the best way to treat familial hypercholesterolemia? I understand that the medication Lipitor can keep some people's cholesterol ratios within normal limits, but my cholesterol is still above 235. What else can be done to reduce my risk of early heart attack? My daughter and I both have it.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is often associated with high LDL cholesterol levels (often above 200) and can lead to premature atherosclerosis. As you've already experienced, lipid-lowering therapy can be helpful but many times does not lower cholesterol to the recommended level for the general population.
It's very important to know that cholesterol levels, although important, only account for about 30% of the variability in CAD (coronary artery disease) incidence. The good news is that other factors like diet, exercise, psychosocial issues and gender are critical, independent of cholesterol levels. So, taking good care of these other factors should reduce your risk, even if you have high LDL cholesterol. Marty Sullivan MD
Familial hypercholesterolemia is often associated with high LDL cholesterol levels (often above 200) and can lead to premature atherosclerosis. As you've already experienced, lipid-lowering therapy can be helpful but many times does not lower cholesterol to the recommended level for the general population.
It's very important to know that cholesterol levels, although important, only account for about 30% of the variability in CAD (coronary artery disease) incidence. The good news is that other factors like diet, exercise, psychosocial issues and gender are critical, independent of cholesterol levels. So, taking good care of these other factors should reduce your risk, even if you have high LDL cholesterol. Marty Sullivan MD
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder