Treatment Standards for Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia management and cholesterol-lowering targets are categorized into four risk levels: very high risk, high risk, moderate risk, and low risk, depending on the patient's overall health condition and associated diseases. The specific diagnostic and treatment guidelines are outlined below:

Very High-Risk Patients

Patients classified as very high risk often have existing cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease or have undergone stent implantation. For these individuals, the recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level should be strictly reduced to 1.8 mmol/L or lowered by approximately 50% from baseline levels. Additionally, patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes should also aim to maintain LDL-C below 1.8 mmol/L to minimize the risk of further complications.

High-Risk Patients

For those in the high-risk category, the therapeutic target is to keep LDL-C levels under 2.6 mmol/L. This group typically includes patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, obesity, or a strong family history of early heart disease, but without established cardiovascular events.

Moderate to Low-Risk Individuals

Moderate and low-risk patients are advised to maintain LDL-C levels below 3.4 mmol/L. These individuals usually have fewer risk factors and may not yet show signs of significant cardiovascular issues, but they still require monitoring and lifestyle adjustments to prevent disease progression.

Comprehensive Management Strategies

Effective control of hyperlipidemia generally involves a combination of dietary changes, regular physical activity, and pharmacological treatment. While lifestyle modifications such as reducing saturated fat intake, increasing fiber consumption, and engaging in aerobic exercise are essential, most patients will also require long-term medication to maintain stable and safe lipid levels.

Statins remain the first-line therapy for most patients, although additional agents such as ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors may be prescribed depending on individual needs and response to treatment. Regular follow-up and lipid profile monitoring are crucial to ensure treatment goals are met and adjusted as necessary.