cholesterol level

dyslipidemia drugs are used to manage elevated blood lipids

dyslipidemia is associated with atherosclerosis

elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and reduced HDL cholesterol are the abnormalities that are major risk factors for coronary artery disease

Total serum cholesterol - normal or desirable = less than 200 mg/dL

borderline high = 200 - 239, high = 240 or above

LDL cholesterol - optimal = less than 100 mg/dL

near or above optimal = 100 to 129

borderline high = 130 - 159

high = 160 to 189

very high = 190 or above

HDL cholesterol - high = more than 60 mg/dL

low = less than 40

Triglycerides - normal or desirable = less than 150 mg/dL

borderline high = 150 - 199

high = 200 - 499

very high = 500 or above

Categories of drugs for dyslipidemia include:

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors or statins

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Fibrates

Niacin

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Any dyslipidemic drug therapy must be accompanied by an appropriate diet.

Prevention of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis includes a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats

Grapefruit juice increases serum drug levels, and some of the statins should not be given with grapefruit juice (the statins are more effective if taken in the evening or at bedtime because more cholesterol is produced by the liver at night and the drugs block cholesterol production)

A low-fat diet is needed, reducing the amount of saturated fat from meats, dairy products. And eating a bowl of oat cereal daily can help lower cholesterol by 5% to 10%.