Drug therapy

Drug therapy is usually necessary in combination with diet, weight loss, and exercise, as these interventions may not be able to lower cholesterol levels alone. The overall goal of treatment is to lower the risk for heart disease by lowering the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood stream. There are a number of cholesterol-lowering medications that are currently used.

Statins

The first and more effective drug therapies called “statins.” Statins are the most effective medication and the first option for treatment. PCSK9 inhibitors are a new class of drugs that lower LDL cholesterol levels. Statins are commonly prescribed in Canada. They help to lower the level of cholesterol in your blood. There are different types of statins, but they all work in much the same way. Other drugs that may be used in combination with or instead of the statins are: bile acid sequestrant resins (for example, cholestyramine), ezetemibe, nicotinic acid (niacin), gemfibrozil, and fenofibrate. Statins in children with FH: Children with FH should be seen in a family-friendly environment within a lipid clinic. Your child has the right to receive the best care for him or her. This depends on your family history, your child’s age, gender, cholesterol and risk factors. Statins are starting to be used in children with FH, and may be started as early as age 10.

Other (more aggressive) therapies

Individuals who have FH need more aggressive therapies to treat their significantly elevated levels of cholesterol. Often drug therapies are not sufficient to lower LDL cholesterol levels at the desiderated goal and these individuals may require periodical LDL apheresis, a procedure to “clean up” LDL from the blood stream, or highly invasive surgery such as a liver transplant.

Consult a Cardiac Specialist about the right medication for you.