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High Cholesterol

Medications used to lower high cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells of your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. While your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, it can also come from animal-based foods like egg yolks, meat, and cheese. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can combine with other substances to form plaque, which can stick to the walls of your arteries and lead to a condition called atherosclerosis.

Causes of High Cholesterol

The most common cause of high cholesterol is an unhealthy lifestyle. This includes poor eating habits, such as consuming lots of saturated fats found in red meats and full-fat dairy products. Lack of physical activity, smoking, stress, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to high cholesterol levels. Genetics can play a role as well, with conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia causing very high cholesterol levels.

Why High Cholesterol Matters

High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, which may rupture and form a blood clot. This can block blood flow to your heart, leading to chest pain or a heart attack. Plaque can also build up in arteries that supply blood to your brain and limbs, potentially causing strokes or other serious conditions.

How is High Cholesterol Treated?

High cholesterol can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and increasing physical activity. In some cases, a range of prescription medicines may also be used to help control cholesterol levels.

When to See a Doctor

Since high cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms, it is important to have regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels. If you have risk factors for high cholesterol, such as a family history or other health conditions, you should consult your doctor about when to get tested.

Medications used to treat High Cholesterol

Several classes of medication treat high cholesterol. Which is right depends on your health — that is a decision for you and your provider. Compare prices and coupons on any of them:

Statins

Statins work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

Compare prices: Atorvastatin Calcium, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin Calcium

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants help lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting the elimination of cholesterol.

Compare prices: Colesevelam Hcl, Colestipol Hcl

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors work by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from the food you eat.

Compare prices: Ezetimibe, Ezetimibe Atorvastatin

Fibrates

Fibrates primarily lower triglyceride levels and can also help increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Compare prices: Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil, Fenofibric Acid

Niacin

Niacin works by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver and increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Compare prices: Niacin, Niacin Er, Niacin Flush Free

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Frequently asked questions

What are HDL, LDL, and VLDL?

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, known as 'good' cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from your body. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, known as 'bad' cholesterol, which can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. VLDL stands for very low-density lipoprotein, which also contributes to plaque buildup.

What can raise my risk of high cholesterol?

Several factors can raise your risk of high cholesterol, including age, sex, family history, certain health conditions, certain medicines, race or ethnicity, and being overweight or obese.

What health problems can high cholesterol cause?

High cholesterol can lead to serious health issues, such as angina, heart attacks, carotid artery disease, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease.

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

High cholesterol is usually diagnosed through a blood test, as there are often no signs or symptoms.

What lifestyle changes can help manage high cholesterol?

Improving your diet and increasing physical activity are key lifestyle changes that can help manage high cholesterol.

Compare prices for high cholesterol medications

24 medications — select one to compare prices and coupons.

Condition information adapted from MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Medication list sourced from RxClass (MED-RT, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Inclusion does not imply a medication is right for you.

Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

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