What medicine should I take for hyperlipidemia?

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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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.)

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Lipid profile tests include the following items:

In everyday life, many patients often suffer from hyperlipidemia. Therefore, when going to the hospital for evaluation of elevated blood lipids, it's important to pay attention to the following tests: First, get blood drawn for blood glucose and liver and kidney functions, as patients with high blood lipids often tend to have diabetes or problems related to glucose metabolism, Second, it's important to check blood pressure, as patients with high blood lipids also tend to develop hypertension, Third, it's important to undergo an arterial color Doppler ultrasound. Patients with high blood lipids are prone to arteriosclerosis, and arterial color Doppler ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting arteriosclerosis.

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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.)

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Early clinical symptoms of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia early on does not show specific clinical symptoms and is typically indicated by increased blood lipid levels during physical examinations. If it is not taken seriously and left untreated, long-term hyperlipidemia can lead to noticeable clinical symptoms. Mild cases may experience fatigue and weakness. Prolonged elevated blood lipid levels can cause the blood to become viscous and flow slowly, affecting the supply of blood to the heart, leading to palpitations and shortness of breath that worsen with activity. It can also affect blood supply to the brain, causing irritability, restless sleep, frequent nightmares, and even sleepiness. Therefore, it is crucial to treat hyperlipidemia actively upon diagnosis to prevent it from impacting the blood supply to vital organs.

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How is hyperlipidemia formed?

The formation of hyperlipidemia is a very complex physiological process, simply related to the dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Disorders in lipid metabolism are related to some diseases, common ones include diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, liver damage, and gallbladder disease. These diseases can cause increased blood lipids. It is also directly related to an unreasonable dietary structure. Consuming foods that are high in calories and cholesterol, which exceed the body's needs, can lead to increased blood lipids. Examples include animal organs and some high-cholesterol seafood, excessive intake of which can lead to hyperlipidemia.

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What are the dangers of hyperlipidemia?

If hyperlipidemia is present, it primarily refers to elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, though some patients may also have reduced high-density lipoprotein. The main risk of hyperlipidemia is the arterial sclerosis it can cause in blood vessels, which in severe cases can lead to plaque formation. Prolonged arterial sclerosis can cause acute cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or coronary artery disease of the heart, with severe cases leading to myocardial infarction. Significantly elevated triglycerides may also trigger acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it is essential to control lipid levels and maintain a light diet in cases of hyperlipidemia.