PCSK9 INHIBITORS INCREASE THE LIVER'S ABILITY TO REMOVE LDL CHOLESTEROL FROM THE BLOODSTREAM
5. Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney diseases can influence cholesterol levels.
6. Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some diuretics, can increase cholesterol levels.
Recent developments in Cholesterol management In recent years, significant advancements have been made in new cholesterol-lowering medications, such as PCSK9 inhibitors. These drugs are a type of laboratory-made protein that can bind to certain targets in the body. In this case they work by inhibiting a protein called PCSK9, which is made in the liver. There are currently two PCSK9 inhibitors – Repatha (Evolocumab) and Praluent (Alirocumab) – and others are being developed.
These drugs work by increasing the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. They have shown remarkable efficacy in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
How pharmacists can help Pharmacists are well-positioned to assist patients in managing their cholesterol levels. Here are some ways we can make a difference: 1. Medication advice: Pharmacists can provide in-depth information on cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins and other lipid- lowering drugs, including proper usage, potential side effects, and the importance of medication adherence.
2. Lifestyle interventions: We can offer guidance on lifestyle modifications to improve cholesterol levels. This includes advising patients on adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
3. Risk assessment: Risk assessments can identify individuals at risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. As pharmacists, we can recommend appropriate screenings and tests.
4. Patient Education: Pharmacists can explain the significance of LDL and HDL cholesterol numbers and help patients set realistic goals for improvement.
5. Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is crucial. Pharmacists can help patients track their progress and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plans.
Practical tips for patients For patients looking to manage their cholesterol levels effectively, here are some practical tips: 1. Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated and trans fats found in red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a modest amount of weight can help lower cholesterol levels.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol to accumulate in arteries.
5. Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise cholesterol levels. Advise patients to take no more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
6. Take medications as prescribed: Cholesterol-lowering medications work by different mechanisms. Advise patients to take medications and report any side effects.
Know your numbers The recommended levels of cholesterol for adults in the UK are: • Total cholesterol: less than 5 mmol/L • LDL cholesterol: less than 3 mmol/L • HDL cholesterol: more than 1 mmol/L for men and more than 1.2 mmol/L for women
• Non-HDL cholesterol: less than 4 mmol/L • Triglycerides: less than 1.7 mmol/L
Helpful Resources With increasing food costs, eating healthy on a budget can be a challenge. People in our communities may be more concerned about how much the food bill is, than whether it is healthy. The good news is that we can take care of both our hearts and our wallets and the HeartUK website contains lots of advice including tasty, budget-friendly recipes:
https://www.heartuk.org.uk/healthy-eating-on-a-budget- /three-steps-to-heart-healthy-eating-on-a-budget
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