Even if you begin drug treatment to lower your cholesterol, you will need to continue your treatment with lifestyle changes. This will keep the dose of medicine as low as possible, and lower your risk in other ways as well. There are several types of cholesterol-lowering drugs available, including:
- Statins, which block the liver from making cholesterol.
- Bile acid sequestrants, which decrease the amount of fat absorbed from food.
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, which decrease the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food and lower triglycerides.
- Vitamins and supplements—Niacin, which blocks the liver from removing HDL and lowers triglycerides, and omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the level of HDL and lowers triglycerides.
However, it is advised not to take any medications without consulting your general physician. Also, people with high cholesterol must get themselves screened for any heart ailments.