How is treatment determined?

Treatment is based on your overall risk of coronary heart disease. A target LDL is identified. If your LDL is above the target value, you will be treated. Your target LDL value is:

• LDL less than 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) if you have heart disease or diabetes.
• LDL less than 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L) if you have 2 or more risk factors.
• LDL less than 160 mg/dL (4.14 mmol/L) if you have 0 or 1 risk factor.

The first step in treating high LDL is targeted at changes in lifestyle - specifically adopting diets low in saturated fat and participating in moderate exercise. You may be referred to a dietician for advice in making dietary changes.

If low-fat diets and exercise are not adequate to lower LDL-cholesterol to the target value, drug therapy would be the next step. There are several classes of drugs that are effective in lowering LDL. You will prescribed one of these. Your LDL will be checked at regular intervals to assure that the drug is working. If the drug does not result in reaching your target LDL-cholesterol, your doctor may increase the amount of drug or possibly add a second drug.