Describe when it might be appropriate to initiate drug therapy for people with CHD. What types of drug therapy are used?

Answer 1

?Individuals who cannot improve CHD risk with dietary and lifestyle changes alone may be prescribed one or more medications. The drugs most often prescribed for lowering LDL levels are the statins (such as Lipitor and Crestor), which reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver. The medication ezetimide (Zetia) reduces cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Bile acid sequestrants (such as Colestid or Questran) reduce LDL levels by interfering with bile acid reabsorption in the small intestine. PCSK9 inhibitors (such as Praluent and Repatha) are injectable medications that lower LDL by enhancing the liver's ability to remove cholesterol from the blood. For lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL, both fibrates (such as Lopid and Tricor) and nicotinic acid (a form of niacin) are effective; nicotinic acid can also reduce LDL and lipoprotein(a) levels. Individuals using these medications should continue their dietary and lifestyle modifications so that they can use the minimum effective doses of the drugs they require.