Dyslipidaemia

Key points

• LDL cholesterol is the main treatment target for preventing arterial disease, interpreted within absolute cardiovascular risk.
• Very high triglycerides create a different priority because pancreatitis prevention can become urgent.
• Diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney or liver disease, alcohol and medicines may cause or worsen the pattern.

The listings below are not automatically appropriate for every lipid result; risk, cause, organ function and interactions affect selection.

Interpreting a lipid profile

Clinicians consider LDL, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides alongside age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and existing vascular disease. A markedly high LDL can suggest familial hypercholesterolaemia and justify family assessment. Repeat fasting testing may clarify severe triglyceride elevation.

Treatment priorities

Nutrition, activity, weight and alcohol changes are targeted to the lipid problem. Statins are first-line LDL-lowering treatment for many higher-risk people, with additional agents when response or tolerance is insufficient. Fibrates or prescription omega-3 products have selected triglyceride roles and can interact with other therapy.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for severe persistent upper abdominal pain with vomiting, which can indicate pancreatitis. Call emergency services for chest pressure or sudden stroke symptoms.

Further reading

• 2026 ACC/AHA/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline Released - National Lipid Association
• what to do if your cholesterol is too high | healthdirect
• Dyslipidaemia - Chronic Conditions Manual