Diet and drug therapy for hypercholesterolemia. Principles and perspectives for the occupational health setting

1. Most individuals with moderately elevated blood cholesterol can lower their cholesterol significantly by following a low fat, low cholesterol diet, which is the first step in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. 2. The standard low fat, low cholesterol diet recommended by the American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program restricts total fat intake to less than 30% of calories, with 10% derived from each of the three types of fats (saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated); and dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day. 3. A client whose LDL cholesterol remains elevated after 6 months on the low fat, low cholesterol diet should be considered a candidate for drug therapy. New guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program are now available to assist in selecting the appropriate cholesterol lowering drug for clients with high risk hypercholesterolemia. 4. The current national guidelines for treating hypercholesterolemia offer occupational health nurses new opportunities for teaching risk reduction in the workplace.