Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia Follow-up
- Author: Elena Citkowitz, MD, PhD, FACP; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD more...
Deterrence/Prevention
- Obviously, the adoption of a healthier lifestyle that included aerobic exercise and a low-fat diet would probably reduce the prevalence of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and, ultimately, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Hopefully, younger Americans will adopt these measures to reduce CHD events in the coming years.
Prognosis
- The statin era has revolutionized the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Coupled with the treatment of hypertension and the use of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and aspirin, the potential for reduction of CHD events in patients with known atherosclerosis is significant.
- Cholesterol reduction is certainly useful as a CHD risk-reduction strategy and for primary prevention in individuals who are at high risk for CHD or other forms of atherosclerosis.
Patient Education
- Dietary education about a low-fat (especially saturated fat and trans fat), low-cholesterol diet is of paramount importance.
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Cholesterol Center and Statins Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles High Cholesterol, Understanding Your Cholesterol level, Lifestyle Cholesterol Management, Cholesterol Lowering Medications, and Statins and Cholesterol.
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