Last updated on
My LDL is Off the Charts! What Should I Do? An Update on Cholesterol-Lowering Options
In this episode of Patient Pulse, Dr. Seth Martin, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, joins us for a 2020 update on cholesterol-lowering therapies.
In this overview, Dr. Martin discusses:
- Cholesterol’s function in the body
- How LDL cholesterol can lead to heart disease
- Tried-and-true therapies (such as statins)
- Newer treatment options
- Therapies on the horizon
Some take-home points:
- Too much cholesterol in the blood contributes to atherosclerosis and raises the risk of heart disease
- A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of risk reduction
- Statin medications are safe, effective and low-cost
- There are now multiple non-statin medication options if lifestyle changes and statins aren’t enough
- Engage in a shared decision-making discussion with your clinician to help you weigh your options