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