What medicine should I take for hyperlipidemia?

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on February 13, 2025
00:00
00:00

In clinical practice, the basic tests for blood lipids include total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. When hyperlipidemia is diagnosed, the first approach is to implement comprehensive treatment measures, starting with therapeutic lifestyle changes, which are fundamental and primary measures for controlling abnormal blood lipids. Medication should be used when necessary, strictly according to indications, and with careful monitoring of adverse drug reactions. The main categories of lipid-lowering drugs include: first, statins, such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, and pitavastatin; second, fibrates, such as fenofibrate and bezafibrate; third, niacin; and fourth, bile acid sequestrants. (The use of these drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can hyperlipidemia cause dizziness?

Hyperlipidemia can cause symptoms of dizziness. In addition to dizziness, if it leads to arteriosclerosis, patients may also experience discomfort in the precordial area, such as chest tightness and chest pain. If arteriosclerosis occurs in the lower limb arteries, some patients may also develop intermittent claudication. Therefore, hyperlipidemia is a very dangerous risk factor. It can lead to coronary heart disease, angina, cerebral infarction, and even pancreatitis, fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe problems. For patients with hyperlipidemia, it is crucial to actively lower blood lipids, persist in exercising and losing weight, and maintain a low-salt, low-fat diet. Only by effectively controlling hyperlipidemia can we better prevent the development of arteriosclerosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
57sec home-news-image

How is hyperlipidemia treated?

For the treatment of hyperlipidemia, first of all, it is essential to control your diet, avoiding foods that are too greasy. Foods that are typically braised or deep-fried should best be avoided. Secondly, when cooking, the amount of cooking oil should be controlled and it's recommended to opt for vegetable oils over animal fats, which are not advisable. Thirdly, if lipid levels remain high after dietary control, it is best to seek medical advice at a hospital and use lipid-lowering medication under the guidance of a doctor. Common lipid-lowering medications include statins and fibrates. The specific type of medication to be used should be based on the advice of the doctor. (Note: Specific medications should be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can people with hyperlipidemia drink alcohol?

If hyperlipidemia can exclude some secondary causes or diseases, moderate alcohol consumption is permissible, because alcohol can increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the plasma. However, research has confirmed that long-term excessive drinking can inhibit the oxidation of fatty acids in the liver and increase the synthesis of fatty acids, leading to excessive production of triglycerides and raising the level of triglycerides in the plasma. Therefore, it is recommended that alcohol intake be generally less than 30 grams per day, and for spirits, not exceed 50 grams per day. Moderate drinking is acceptable, but of course, this excludes cases where alcohol consumption is not permissible, such as in patients with liver or kidney failure or acute complications of diabetes. If the overall physical function is stable and it is merely a case of hyperlipidemia, moderate alcohol intake is permissible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
38sec home-news-image

How to test for hyperlipidemia?

First, we can take a blood test to check our cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Second, we can also have a carotid ultrasound to look at the condition of the blood vessels, to see if there is high blood lipid levels, if it has affected the blood vessels, if there is arteriosclerosis, and if plaques have formed. If the diagnosis confirms these conditions, it is advised to control the diet and eat lightly. If diet control is insufficient, then it may be necessary to go to the hospital and choose lipid-lowering medication under the advice of a doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
46sec home-news-image

What foods should be eaten for hyperlipidemia?

People with high blood lipids should first pay attention to a diet low in fat, sugar, and oil, and eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in dietary fiber, high in vitamins, and high in trace elements. These effective substances can reduce blood viscosity and increase the elasticity of blood vessels, thereby achieving the effect of regulating blood lipids. Common foods to consume include apples, pineapples, grapefruits, oranges, kiwis, seaweed, rapeseed, shiitake mushrooms, winter melon, celery, spinach, onions, and wood ear mushrooms. These foods are all suitable for people with high blood lipids.