Management of Hyperlipidemia: A Case Report

Hyperlipidemia is an important cardiovascular risk factor, particularly in individuals with a strong family history of hypercholesterolemia and premature cardiovascular disease. Red yeast rice (RYR) contains monacolin K, a naturally occurring compound structurally similar to lovastatin, and has demonstrated lipid-lowering effects. This case describes a 50-year-old man with hyperlipidemia and clinical features raising suspicion for an inherited lipid disorder who declined statin therapy. Over 12 months, the patient implemented dietary and lifestyle modifications and used RYR and other nutritional supplements. Total cholesterol decreased from 243 to 187 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 166 to 114 mg/dL, and triglycerides from 123 to 76 mg/dL, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 55 to 58 mg/dL. Fasting glucose decreased from 100 to 92 mg/dL, and HbA1c was 5.4% when measured at follow-up. No adverse effects from the nutritional supplements were reported during follow-up. This case describes improvement in lipid parameters during a multimodal nutritional, lifestyle, and supplemental intervention and highlights the need for further research to evaluate these approaches in individuals with hyperlipidemia.