DR MILES DALBY

High Cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) is a major cardiovascular risk factor. Cholesterol levels should be measured periodically in adults as part of a structured cardiovascular screening and risk reduction program.

Treatment of high cholesterol if required will involve a healthy lifestyle and may involve drug therapy, usually including a class of drugs called statins. There are many statins available to treat high cholesterol and an effective well tolerated drug can usually be found for a given individual. Occasionally when statins alone can’t control the cholesterol level other drug combinations or treatments may be necessary. High cholesterol levels can be hereditary and in these situations a careful family history, family screening and sometimes genetic studies might be appropriate.

The treatment strategy for any individual cardiac risk factor should always take into account whether it is in the context of primary or secondary prevention, other risk factors, and overall patient risk. Appropriate management of cardiovascular risk factors should be seen as an investment in future health.

Many sets of guidelines exist on cardiovascular prevention and cholesterol levels however, Dr Dalby will discuss these tests, their implications and any subsequent tests, treatment or follow up with you so that you may reach a mutually agreeable management plan.