The Role of Diet, Exercise, and Medication in Blood Lipid Management of Cardiac Patients

In brief: Results of clinical investigations clearly indicate that aggressive management of blood lipids and lipoproteins can significantly benefit cardiovascular health. This finding is particularly important for patients with diagnosed coronary heart disease and those at risk for developing it. Therapy comprises reduction of excess body fat, a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats, endurance exercise, and medication. Drugs that affect blood lipid levels include beta-blockers, bile acid binding resins, fibric acid derivatives, hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, nicotinic acid, and probucol. These can be used singly or in combination to bring about the desired lipid profile.