Medications

Statins are the medicines used the most often to treat high cholesterol, and they often work the best. They can reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, and early death in people who are at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Other medicines also lower cholesterol, and some may be used to lower triglycerides or raise HDL.

Doctors may also prescribe aspirin therapy if you have had a heart attack or a stroke, or you have a high risk for heart attack or stroke.

Do you need to take medicine? That depends. The decision to use medicine to treat high cholesterol is usually based on your LDL level and your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Medicine is always used along with a diet and exercise plan, not instead of it.

• Some people can try diet and exercise for at least 3 months before they decide if they need medicines.
• People who have coronary artery disease (CAD) should start taking medicines right away.
• You may also need to start on medicine right away if your cholesterol is very high or you have:
  • A family history of early CAD.
  • An inherited form of high cholesterol.
  • Peripheral arterial disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Had a heart attack or stroke before.

You and your doctor will decide if you will take medicine for high cholesterol. For more information, see:

High Cholesterol: Should I Take Statins?

Side effects are more likely and may be worse when you use higher doses of statins. Talk to your doctor if side effects bother you. You may be able to take a different medicine or a different dose.

Be sure to tell your doctor everything you take for high cholesterol, even herbs or other supplements or treatments. Sometimes they can interact with other medicines and cause problems.

Medication Choices

The following medicines can be used to lower LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood and to raise HDL. These are not complete lists of all medicines that are available.