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What Causes Hypercholesterolemia?
Question: Hi I have been suffering from very high cholesterol for the last 4 years.. I have not taken any medication as yet. I was planning to control the same through physical exercise. However due to my irregular life style I am unable to. What are the risks? Should I start medication? I also had IGA Nephropathy a few years back. Do I need to consult a doctor to start taking medications or can I buy over the counter?If I start medications will I become dependent on the drug
Brief Answer:
Lipid lowering drugs are needed after consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Life style modification is required in hypercholesterolemias. However, as cholesterol has not been able to come to normal levels with life style modifications alone, medications are required to control the deranged lipid profile. I would suggest you to consult a physician for clinical assessment and evaluation before starting any medication. Blood glucose levels and blood pressure also need to be assessed since life style diseases often co-exist.
Hypercholesterolemias are chronic metabolic diseases. Drugs may have to be continued for long period of time. Good control may allow reduction or even stoppage of drugs. The dose of drugs is so titrated so as to cause minimal side effects. It doesn't cause drug dependence. You need to see a doctor for a script since they are not available over the counter.
For Ig A nephropathy, regular renal function tests, urine tests and consultation with nephrologist is required.
Life style modification which have to be continued even after starting medication are:
1. Avoid fatty foods especially those rich in saturated fatty acids.
2. Add omega 3 fatty acids in diet. Omega 3 is present in salmon fish oil and in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. Increase proteins in diet.
4. Increase intake of fluids, fiber is diet.
5. Reduce carbohydrates especially in evening and night.
6.Regular exercise and reduction of central obesity.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Lipid lowering drugs are needed after consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Life style modification is required in hypercholesterolemias. However, as cholesterol has not been able to come to normal levels with life style modifications alone, medications are required to control the deranged lipid profile. I would suggest you to consult a physician for clinical assessment and evaluation before starting any medication. Blood glucose levels and blood pressure also need to be assessed since life style diseases often co-exist.
Hypercholesterolemias are chronic metabolic diseases. Drugs may have to be continued for long period of time. Good control may allow reduction or even stoppage of drugs. The dose of drugs is so titrated so as to cause minimal side effects. It doesn't cause drug dependence. You need to see a doctor for a script since they are not available over the counter.
For Ig A nephropathy, regular renal function tests, urine tests and consultation with nephrologist is required.
Life style modification which have to be continued even after starting medication are:
1. Avoid fatty foods especially those rich in saturated fatty acids.
2. Add omega 3 fatty acids in diet. Omega 3 is present in salmon fish oil and in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. Increase proteins in diet.
4. Increase intake of fluids, fiber is diet.
5. Reduce carbohydrates especially in evening and night.
6.Regular exercise and reduction of central obesity.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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