Skip to content

Hypercholesterolaemia

Hypercholesterolaemia is the term for LDL cholesterol that stays persistently high in the blood. It is also known as high cholesterol or hyperlipidaemia. Excess LDL makes heart attack and stroke more likely, but it seldom causes symptoms, so a routine blood test often finds it first.

Medicines used to treat Hypercholesterolaemia

Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin

10 · 20 · 40 · 80mg

The atorvastatin tablets contain atorvastatin and are used for hypercholesterolaemia. They come in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.43/ tabletView

Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin

5 · 10 · 20mg

Rosuvastatin is the active ingredient in these tablets, which lower cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. They come in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$1.24/ tabletView

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe

10mg

Ezetimibe is a tablet for hypercholesterolaemia that lowers cholesterol by reducing absorption from the gut. It comes in a single strength and multiple pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$1.13/ tabletView

Fenofibrate

Fenofibrate

160 · 200mg

Fenofibrate is a tablet for hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia that lowers triglycerides and raises HDL cholesterol. Multiple strengths and pack sizes are supplied. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$1.28/ tabletView

Bempedoic Acid

Bempedoic Acid

180mg

Bempedoic acid tablets contain bempedoic acid for hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia. They come in a single strength and various pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$0.62/ tabletView

Key points

  • LDL is commonly called ‘bad’ cholesterol, while HDL is called ‘good’ cholesterol.
  • A person can have high cholesterol without noticing any signs.
  • Raised LDL is a common cardiovascular risk factor.

What it is and what raises it

Cholesterol is needed by the body, but too much LDL circulating in the blood can enter artery walls and narrow them over time. A fasting lipid profile records triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol. Inherited tendency, diet, low activity, excess weight and type 2 diabetes can all play a part. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited form that causes very high LDL from childhood and, without treatment, a much greater lifetime risk.

Symptoms and serious events

High cholesterol on its own does not make a person feel unwell. A heart attack can happen if plaque inside a coronary artery ruptures and a clot then blocks blood flow to the heart. A stroke can happen if plaque narrows or blocks the vessels that feed the brain, reducing or cutting off its blood supply.

Medicines used to lower LDL

Statins are the mainstay of cholesterol management. They reduce cholesterol production in the liver. Atorvastatin tablets are available in 10, 20, 40 and 80mg, and rosuvastatin tablets in 5, 10 and 20mg. Ezetimibe 10mg tablets limit cholesterol absorption from the gut; combined with a statin, using both can reduce LDL further than one alone. Fenofibrate 160 and 200mg tablets are also used in hypertriglyceridaemia, and bempedoic acid 180mg tablets in dyslipidaemia. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Lifestyle and checks

Cutting saturated fat, adding soluble fibre and choosing whole grains in place of refined carbohydrates can help. Regular aerobic activity and stopping smoking support cardiovascular health. These steps do not replace medicine for people at high risk. Because high cholesterol is silent, a lipid test is how it is found; if levels are high, discuss treatment with a doctor.

What the sources say

  • Too much of certain cholesterol types can raise the chance of a heart attack or stroke (BHF).
  • When plaque inside a coronary artery bursts, a clot may form, block blood flow and starve the heart of oxygen (healthdirect).
  • Plaque that narrows or blocks the brain’s blood vessels can cut its blood supply and cause a stroke (healthdirect).
  • High cholesterol is generally managed with lifestyle changes and, where needed, medicines (healthdirect).

Further reading

Last updated