Can lifestyle changes alone help manage cholesterol level?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 33 year old male. I weigh 185 pounds, and I am 5 feet 8 inches. I have high blood pressure. I am taking Triolmezest 40 mg, and it is in control now. For the past five years, I have cholesterol. I have attached my lipid profile report; please refer to it. Should I start medication or lifestyle change will help? Also, please let me know the side effects of the medicine. Is my report bad? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have a deranged lipid profile (attachment removed to protect patient identity). With such a high level of LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), treatment with drugs is necessary. I would suggest you get fasting blood sugar, thyroid profile, and ECG done. You should start on statins like Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin.

Lifestyle changes are necessary along with this, as medicine can be later discontinued, and lifestyle changes can be adapted for the natural control of cholesterol. I would advise you to:

Reduce your weight.
Avoid fatty food in your diet.
Consume potato, rice, oil, ghee, sweets, and carbonated beverages in moderate amounts only.
Avoid alcohol and smoking in case you do.

Get your lipid profile repeated after a month and get back with reports. This is my best opinion for you. You should discuss this with your doctor before acting upon any advice. Stay healthy.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

These medicines are relatively safe in the doses you require. However, the side effects that may appear include drug allergy, nausea, dryness of mouth, hepatitis (liver inflammation), and myalgias (muscle aches). These medicines have a very good tolerability profile.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.