Managing Your Cholesterol for a Healthier Heart
Why Lipid Management Matters
High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lipid management helps lower this risk by improving the balance of fats (lipids) in your bloodstream.
What Are Lipids?
Lipids include: – LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) – can build up in artery walls. – HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) – helps remove LDL. – Triglycerides – another type of fat linked to heart disease.
Lipid Targets
– Vary depending on your medical conditions.
Some information is provided on common prescribed medication below if you need help making a decision you may wish to visit the following website which could help with your choice.
Are statins the best choice for me?
Statins: and other lipid lowering medicines
Lipid-Lowering Medications
1. Statins (Generally offered first)
· These drugs reduce LDL cholesterol by blocking its production in the liver. Common statins: – Atorvastatin – Simvastatin – Rosuvastatin
· – Pravasatin Benefits: – Proven to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke – Often well tolerated Side effects (uncommon): – Muscle aches- evidence suggest > usually in the first year on very high doses
but 90% of muscle related symptoms are not actually due to statins. – Mild liver enzyme elevation – Rarely, memory issues or diabetes risk increase Note: Blood tests are used to monitor liver function and cholesterol levels.
2. Ezetimibe
Lowers cholesterol by reducing its absorption in the gut. Used if statins are not tolerated or not enough on their own.
Common side effects are: Headache + Diarrhoea & abdominal pain. Uncommon include muscle pain, changes in the liver enzyme and tiredness.
Ezetimibe tablets for high cholesterol. Ezetimibe info
3. Other cholesterol lowering medicine.
There are other medications that lower cholesterol (PCSK9 Inhibitors & Bempedoic Acid), these would need to be recommended by a specialist and general prescribed by them.
Lifestyle Changes Matter Too
Combine medication with: – Healthy diet (low in saturated fats, high in fibre) – Regular exercise – Weight loss (if overweight) – Stopping smoking – Limiting alcohol
The Sussex Wellbeing service or our In house Wellbeing coaches can help you with this.
West Sussex Wellbeing / Provided by West Sussex County Council
When to Contact Us
Let us know if you experience: – Unexplained muscle pain or weakness – Unusual tiredness – Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) We regularly review your blood tests and adjust treatment as needed.
Useful Resources
– NHS cholesterol info: www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol – Heart UK (Cholesterol Charity): www.heartuk.org.uk – NICE guidelines on lipid modification (CG181): www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg181