Non-pharmacological therapy of hyperlipidaemia.

ABSTRACT

Hyperlipidaemia is one of the major contributors to atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in our society. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have shown repeatedly that an elevated blood cholesterol level is one of the major modifiable risk factors associated with the development of CHD. In particular, these studies have demonstrated that low- density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the primary lipoprotein mediating atherosclerosis. Non-pharmacological therapy especially dietary therapy and exercise remains the first line of treatment in hyperlipidaemia, with pharmacotherapy reserved for use in patients at high risk of coronary heart disease or patients who do not respond to non-pharmacological therapy.